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 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 becomes one flesh
(Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31). He gives us His Agape love for
each other. We grow more comfortable in our union, as the years of our marriage
progress.
Resisting
the temptation to feel irritable, 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 we 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 these negative emotions and help each other
remedy the root cause.
This practice
allows us to show compassion for a mate's inner struggle, and to attempt to
improve the situation together 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
(Colossians 3:3-4).
As we walk
in Your Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of our flesh (Galatians 5:15-25).
We will lay down our life for our mate and for Your Body, as we reap the
benefits of Your amazing agape love. Jesus, 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.
