One of the
best attributes in a good marriage is kindness. When this virtue is present, we
go out of our way to show compassion and benevolence to one another. We
consider each other's needs above our own and prefer our mate over our self.
This does
not imply that we codependently neglect our self, or constantly enable our mate
by depriving our self. Kindness is a give and take proposition where the same
person does not always do the giving while the other does all the taking.
We rejoice when
our mate rejoices, and we share his/her burdens with empathy and concern (Romans
12:15). We sincerely care about each other and we honestly want what is best
for our mate as well as for our self.
God created
marriage as a union between two individuals that actually become one flesh
(Genesis 2:23; Mark 10:8). He gives us His Agape love for each other as we
grow more comfortable in our union as the years of our marriage progress.
We do not
condemn, condescend, criticize or belittle each other in our words, attitude or
actions. We lift each other up above the world's crass treatment of us and make
our home a haven that we enjoy together.
We show
courtesy at all times. Now, we may be tired, worried, frustrated or afraid at
times and tend to speak curtly or with a grouchy attitude; but at times like
this we search for the cause of our mate's negative emotions.
This
practice allows us to show compassion for a mate's inner struggle and to
attempt to improve the situation to alleviate their stress or to take the
matter to God in prayer. Praying together in unity is paramount for a
successful relationship.
Prayer:
Father God,
fill us with the fruit of Your Spirit by teaching us to surrender our dreams,
plans and goals to Your will. Replace our selfish, carnal character traits with
Your deep and abiding love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness,
meekness, self-control and faith (Galatians 5:22-23). Remind us that we are
Your emissaries in this life and that Your will is our paramount priority.
As we walk
in Your Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of our flesh. We will lay down
our life for our mate and for Your Body as we reap the benefits of Your amazing
agape love. You, our King, died for us; and the least we can do is to lay down
our life for one another. We praise You, and give You all of the praise and
glory due to Your name.
Thought for
the Day:
A husband's
greatest need is to receive respect from his wife and a wife's greatest need is
to feel cherished by her husband; so as we meet one another's needs, our bond
of love and unity will increase over the years.
