How Prudence Can Improve Your Marriage | Pastoral Counselor Education
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The Pastoral Counselor Education series, led by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, delves into the concept of prudence in relationships, particularly marriage, and its foundation in scriptural guidance. Prudence is defined as the judicious application of knowledge, the willingness to seek truth, and the ability to listen and respond thoughtfully. It is about being open to learning and avoiding assumptions, as well as being 'quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger' as per James 1:19. The series underscores the value of Scripture, such as 2 Timothy 3:16 and Proverbs, in providing wisdom for teaching and correction, and the importance of seeking multiple counselors to avoid the pitfalls of pride. The proper application of knowledge and wisdom in community and relationships is highlighted, with an emphasis on being open to advice and instruction, understanding one's partner, and avoiding autopilot reactions. Tools for prudence include writing down issues before discussing them and being specific and objective when addressing problems. Trust and perceived betrayal, particularly concerning infidelity and addiction, are discussed with a focus on presenting concrete evidence and expressing emotional impact. The importance of self-reflection to discern the influence of past experiences on current perceptions is emphasized, along with the need to foster dialogue for healing and understanding. Cognitive distortions such as 'mind reading,' 'jumping to conclusions,' and 'catastrophizing' are warned against, advocating for open communication and checking facts in context. Thoughtful communication is encouraged, with the advice to speak truthfully but also helpfully, inspirationally, necessary, and kindly. Couples are advised to define their own 'rich and meaningful life' and then come together to define a shared vision, respecting individual goals and interests. The concept of forgiveness is presented as a crucial step in healing relationships, with an emphasis on recognizing one's own knowledge limitations and seeking perspectives from others to gain clarity. The series promotes a gradual process of reconnection and healing within marriage, with prudence guiding the course of action and setting the stage for addressing more challenging aspects of relationship repair in the future.
The Pastoral Counselor Education series, led by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, delves into the concept of pr