Book of James
Couples Guide
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:14.
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Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. - Ecclesiastes 4:9
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Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8
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…a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24
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Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3:3
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So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. - Matthew 19:6
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:14. | Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. - Ecclesiastes 4:9 | Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8 | …a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24 | Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3:3 | So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. - Matthew 19:6
Week 1: Together in Trials
Passage: James 1:1–18
Theme: Choosing joy and perseverance—together
Key Takeaways:
Trials test our faith and grow endurance.
God generously gives wisdom to those who ask.
Temptation never comes from God—He is always good.
Discussion Questions:
What is one specific challenge we’re facing right now that feels like a test of faith?
Can we name a past season of trial that actually brought us closer together? What did we learn?
When one or both of us are tempted to doubt God’s goodness, how can we remind each other of what’s true?
Prayer Prompts:
Thank God for how He’s grown you through past trials.
Ask for wisdom in the current season you’re facing.
Pray for joy, endurance, and unity as you walk through hard things together.
Together on Purpose Action Step: Identify one current trial and pray together over how to face it with joy and faith this week. Set aside daily time to pray about this specific issue.
Week 2: Together in the Word
Passage: James 1:19–2:26
Theme: Be doers, not just hearers—living faith through love
Key Takeaways:
Listening leads to transformation.
God’s Word brings freedom when obeyed.
Faith without action is empty.
Discussion Questions:
Think about a recent disagreement—did we really listen to each other? How could we have responded differently?
What is one clear instruction from Scripture that we’ve struggled to apply in our home? Why is it hard?
Who in our life is God asking us to love or serve together this week?
Prayer Prompts:
Thank God for His Word and its power to transform.
Ask Him to help you apply Scripture in your home and relationship.
Pray for the courage to serve others together with love.
Together on Purpose Action Step: Choose one way to live out your faith in action this week—toward each other and someone outside your home.
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"Carl and Heather Present" is our podcast where a songwriter and a scientist (that’s us!) dive into the humor, insights, and challenges of staying married to someone completely different—and still being in love. After 25 years of navigating conflict, resolution, and everything in between, we’ve decided to talk openly about our journey, how we’ve made it work, and how we keep finding reasons to stay together. Tune in for Carl’s world-class humor and Heather’s relentless ability to stay unimpressed.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:14.
|
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. - Ecclesiastes 4:9
|
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8
|
…a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24
|
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3:3
|
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. - Matthew 19:6
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:14. | Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. - Ecclesiastes 4:9 | Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8 | …a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24 | Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3:3 | So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. - Matthew 19:6
Week 3: Together in Word
Passage: James 3:1–18
Theme: Taming the tongue and pursuing peace
Key Takeaways:
Our words have the power to heal or destroy.
Godly wisdom leads to humility and peace.
The way we speak shapes the culture of our home.
Discussion Questions:
What is one hurtful phrase or habit we want to remove from our speech toward each other?
What’s a recent moment when your words (or your spouse’s) encouraged and uplifted you?
In what areas do we need more wisdom from above in how we communicate?
Prayer Prompts:
Confess any ways your words have hurt each other.
Ask God to help you speak life and peace in your home.
Thank Him for the opportunity to use your words to bless one another.
Together on Purpose Action Step: Commit to a full day of intentional encouragement toward your spouse—spokenand written
Week 4: Together in Humility
Passage: James 4:1–17
Theme: Submitting to God and resisting the enemy—together
Key Takeaways:
Pride causes conflict; humility invites grace.
God longs for our full surrender.
We must live with awareness of God’s will and timing.
Discussion Questions:
Where are we experiencing unnecessary tension or control struggles in ourrelationship?
Are there areas where we’re resisting God's guidance in our marriage?
What does full surrender to God look like in this season of our life?
Prayer Prompts:
Ask God to reveal any pride or areas of control in your heart.
Pray for a spirit of humility and gentleness in your relationship.
Thank Him for His grace and for drawing near to the humble.
Together on Purpose Action Step: Ask your spouse, “Where do you need me to grow in humility?” Then take one step to act on their answer.
Week 5: Together in Prayer & Purpose
Passage: James 5:1–20
Theme: Confession, healing, prayer, and restoration
Key Takeaways:
Healing begins with honesty and prayer.
Righteous prayer is powerful and effective.
We are called to restore and pray for each other.
Discussion Questions:
What area of our life do we feel hesitant to bring before each other in prayer?
Who in our circle needs our prayer or restoration support this week?
How can we grow a consistent, meaningful rhythm of prayer together?
Prayer Prompts:
Thank God for the gift of prayer and the healing He offers.
Confess any areas you’ve been hesitant to bring to Him or each other.
Pray for God to align your hearts with His purpose for your marriage.
Together on Purpose Action Step: Commit to a weekly rhythm of prayer together and share your spiritual goals for the season ahead.
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