Marriage is defined as a union of two individuals. God
phrases it as two becoming one. This means that we no longer strive to please
our self, but to submit to one another as joint heirs to the Kingdom of God (1 Peter
3:7). We no longer promote our own agenda, but meld our ideas to formulate a
new way of life, which meets both of our needs.
When one person in the couple gives more than the other
person, there is an inequity in both power and fulfillment. This imbalance will
throw off the symmetry of the relationship and fuel negative emotions, which
destroy intimacy. If undetected or not dealt with, these feelings will erode
even the best of relationships.
In a Godly marriage, both partners build up one another up
in love (1 Thessalonians 5:11), bear with one another (Ephesians
4:2), help to carry each other's burdens (Colossians 3:13), edify
each other rather than to criticize or tear one another down (Ephesians
4:29) and find God's will for your marriage by praying together
and seeking the Holy Spirit's direction (Jude 1:20).
We all need praise, affirmation, love, appreciation and
support. No one likes to be taken for granted, discounted or neglected. We
often get too focused on work, children, church activities and community
involvement and end up disregarding our mate and family. This is as much of a
betrayal as infidelity. Make your mate a priority, second only to God. Spend
time as a family and bond with love for a lifetime.
Prayer:
Father God, You knew us and had every day of our life
planned out before we were ever born (Psalm 139:16). You gave
woman to man as a helpmate. Teach us to value each other's opinions, because
there are many bad decisions, which could have been avoided if a couple
discussed and prayed about it prior to carrying it out. Help us to avoid
blaming and criticizing and to accept one another, even with all of our
idiosyncrasies.
Thought for the Day:
Financial, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual
fidelity is the key to marital success.
