When we enter our marriage with the idea that if it doesn’t live up to our expectations, we can always free our self by getting a divorce, we weaken our relationship before it even begins. If we focus on forcing our marriage to fulfill our needs, our self-centered and limited attention will ruin the good aspects we share.
If instead, we realize that we are a couple, and that both of us should be interested in the needs of one another, we will not make one-sided decisions for our self that negatively affect our mate. We will plan our choices together with much prayer for God’s united will for both of us.
Unified decisions, according to God’s ultimate plans for us, will lead to greater fulfillment and satisfaction for us both. A complete commitment to our marriage will help our marriage to be the best it can be in this sin-cursed world in which we live. We realize that an extraordinary marriage is based on actions, emotions and attitudes that promote our unity and joy in one another.
The purpose of getting married is to enjoy couple time throughout the day. Notes tucked in briefcases, phone calls during lunch time, a picnic at work or in a nearby park, a plant delivered for no reason at all, a card received in the mail at work, etc. all provide our mate with assurances that he/she is in our thoughts and in our heart.
At times, one mate may feel abused by the other because choices we make take away from our couple time. Insecurity arises, and we feel unloved and uncared for by our loved one. We feel more like a paycheck or a housekeeper than a husband or wife. God will easily give us ideas to bless our spouse every day if we care enough to seek Him.
Prayer:
Father God, remind us to thank You for our spouse, to practice humility and preference of one another rather than making self-centered choices. Remind us to make all our decision as a couple instead of forcing our desires and goals on our mate. Relying on and mirroring Your grace and unconditional love in our marriage will help our mate to feel loved and secure.
Help us to be an example of Jesus’ union with His bride (Ephesians 5:31-32) as we follow the principles in Your Word for a good marriage. Remind us that respect, generosity, time, attention, compassion, unconditional love, words of affirmation, and little gifts will remind each other that we were thinking of them, and this focus will go a long way in keeping our relationship strong and healthy.
Thoughts for the Day:
Keeping our mind focused on God’s perfect plans for our individual life will dove-tail into a stronger union with our spouse as well. We do not trapse off to “do our own thing,” but we find ways to work together, to help one another, and to be all that God is calling us to be. A fruit-filled life is one that starts by both individuals dying to our selfish desires and working together as God’s Spirit directs our paths.
