God gives us many ways to fail-proof our marriage as long as we will only avail our self to the wisdom in His Word. The first key is to pray together about every decision. This keeps us from insisting on doing things our way because we think our idea is better than our spouse’s plan.
We listen to one another; take responsibility for our words, feelings, and actions; and resist the temptation to blame our spouse for poor decisions. Even if the consequences we are experiencing is our mate’s fault, blaming will only shame them and alienate him/her, and put up walls between us.
The more hurt we feel, the more affection and consideration we can pour out on our spouse. This shows our mate that we forgive his/her mistakes and that we hold no grudges toward them. Partnering through life helps us to withstand the trials with more success because of one another’s support.
Making consistent rules for child rearing, a plan for budgeting and spending money, scheduling date times in our week and creating snuggle time in every day will cut down on disagreements as well. Even if issues arise with our extended family, a united front on our side will squelch these negative aspects from affecting our relationship.
Showing compassion and acceptance toward each other makes our home a haven instead of a battle ground. We honor one another’s differences and do not insist on our own way. We go the extra mile and prefer one another over our self. We listen when our mate complains about something, because we may need to adjust our behavior to lighten their load of stress.
Praying and Bible reading as individuals and as a couple are priority habits that we both need to cultivate. This time alerts us of issues our spouse is experiencing and helps us to have more grace toward their negative behavior and more compassion for their attitude and emotions.
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that a simple statement of, “I love you only.” Will go a long way to encourage one another and to reduce our stress with children, chores, and changes we face during our day. Help us not to take our marriage for granted or to drift apart due to us neglecting our relationship. Teach us to make time for a quick but meaningful embrace or a lingering smooch as we pass one another in the hall or in a room, so we know that our spouse loves us and is thinking of us.
We want to submit to Your will for us as a couple so that we can share in one another’s successes. So, remind us to have daily times of joint prayer and discussions that will help us to unify our schedules and our plans. Taking times to smile and hug and show one another that we are thinking about each other and want to spend time together will increase our energy to do the tasks required of us.
Thought for the Day:
Making time together as a couple, every day as well as weekly outings, will strengthen our relationship because having fun together gives us good times to remember when life gets hard for one or both of us. This effort also makes us feel special, loved, cared for, valued, and wanted.
