Devotion for Dads 2

As you prepare for this devotion time, prayerfully reflect on your relationship in marriage and/or the relationship between your mother and father.  Did your folks' relationship have an influence on you?  Identify specifics - Was there trust in the relationship; did they show respect for each other; was there a mutual commitment to the relationship?  Are trust, respect and commitment foundational to your idea of, or expectations in a relationship?
Relationship:
Times like these:  Less than half of all households in the USA are occupied by married couples - a record low.  Relationships in 50%+ of families are severed by divorce.  Young men and women are waiting longer to marry, and many see 'living together' as an acceptable alternative to marriage.  Relationships among peers are sometimes superficial.  Even relationships with friends often stay on the surface, or are guarded.  Are real relationships possible today?  What is a 'real' relationship?  Discuss.
Relationship per Webster's New World Dictionary - connection or association, as by origin or kind; connection by kinship or marriage; or the same family. What does 'relationship' bring to mind for you?  Is there a hunger for connection in the home, in the church and at work?  A real relationship has a maturity that can provide emotional balance in the ups and downs of life - Did you see this at work in your family?  Share some of your experiences growing up.
Rate the following for your dad or father-figure's relationships on a scale of 1-10, with one being a 'weak relationship' and 10 being a 'strong relationship:
    -    With friends, other men; 
    -    With extended family; 
    -    Within the family, yourself, brothers and/or sisters;
    -    In marriage with your mom; and,
    -    With Jesus the Christ.
         Rate the above again for you today. How do the numbers compare?
The Word on relationship is:
Scripture - 1Peter 3:7 '..live with your wives in an understanding way, ...and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
-    Share a personal story of how your dad, or someone close to you honored their wife, and how that impressed you. 
     Share the impact that had on you and your understanding of relationship.
Reflecting on scripture:
    -    What does 'in an understanding way' mean to you?
    -    Are you seeking to know your wife better tomorrow than today?
    -    Does your marriage relationship reflect the 'grace of life' God has planned for you?
    -    Is the relationship with your wife an extension of your relationship with Jesus the Christ?
    -    Is the home designed to impact the next generation's understanding of relationship?
Prayer: Lord, my kids get a lesson in relationships every day. It is in the home that children get their first exposure to relationships between adults; between a man and a woman; between a husband and a wife; and, between a dad and a mom. And it is in the home that they gain perspective on a healthy relationship between an adult and a child. The day to day experiences in the home are foundational for the next generation's perspective on relationship. Lord, help me embrace that responsibility. May the relationships in the home You have blessed me with reflect my growing relationship with You. Guide me in living with my wife 'in an understanding way', that we may pass on the 'grace of life' to the next generation by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.