In
a good marriage, we are best friends; we enjoy a closeness with each other that
we have in no other relationship; we love each other in thoughts, words and
actions; we encourage and serve one another; we are kind and thoughtful; and we
spend meaningful time with one another.
As
we seek God's purpose for each moment of our day, Christ in us will inspire our
thoughts, emotions and actions toward our mate (2 Corinthians 10:5). When we
experience fears, insecurity, troubles, etc. we give one another comfort by
sharing verses with each other from God's Word.
We
look for, compliment, and nurture the good that our spouse does each day,
rather than complaining about their faults and failings. This encourages them
to repeat this positive behavior more often (Philippians 1:6). We can use
creative ways to express this support.
Sending
an email, text or leaving a note on their desk, or in their coat pocket, purse
or briefcase will give them inspiration during times when we are apart. Another
idea is giving verbal affirmation when we are chatting together in person or on
the phone.
It
is important for us to develop the habit of thanking our mate when they do
something for us - even when they do some menial task that we usually take for
granted, like: when they run a special errand for us, take out the trash, cook
a meal, or put clean clothes in our closet and drawer.
Expressing
the ways that we admire our mate will solidify their resolve to be a Godly
example in the world around them, live with integrity and fidelity, and to do
even better in those and other areas of their life. Our goal as a mate? Be an
encourager.
Prayer:
Father
God, remind us that everyone likes to be admired, appreciated and cherished.
Help us to think of ways to express these feelings to our mate. We do not want
to take for granted the ways in which they faithfully take care of us, consider
our needs, make us a priority in their life, and intimately share their
thoughts and feelings with us.
Teach
us that our spouse is not our enemy, but our greatest ally. We do not need to
compete with each other, or lecture one another, or to insist that we are right
about some idea, a future decision, or past event. Help us to come to You
together in prayer for Your wisdom and guidance when we need to make a
decision. Our hope is only in You, Lord, and we rely totally on You for the
fulfillment of all of our needs.
Thought
for the Day:
Remember
that there is always more than one way to do something correctly, always a
third option when we disagree, and more than one viewpoint, opinion, or
preference that is viable and advisable; we use respect, gladness, nurture,
compassion, understanding, contentment, etc. when communicating our needs to
our spouse - not ignoring our true feelings, but honestly expressing even our
fears and insecurities.
