A marriage is the perfect place to allow patience to have her perfect work in us (Janes 1:4-8). We remain calm, get all the facts, listen to our mate’s choices regarding his/her decision, and then suggest a solution of our own. If neither one of us feels peace about either decision, then we pray together for God to show us a solution acceptable to both of us.
Under no circumstance is it allowable to tear one another down with disparaging words, to physically inflict harm on the other, or to use cursing and inflammatory actions as a weapon to get our own way. Both partners must make a commitment to change certain behaviors or attitudes that deteriorate our relationship.
Change is necessary to create a pleasant homelife, and this takes courage, time, and patience from both mates. We made a commitment during our wedding vows to love, honor, and support each other in good times and in negative ones. We want to honor those pledges for our lifetime.
We can be the first to show love and grace in any conflict that arises in our marriage. We take the initiative to forgive any slight or negative behavior by always doing good and not fighting or attempting to hurt our mate as we perceive that they hurt us. We sacrifice our time, effort, energy, and attitude to resolve any issues as they arise.
We do not neglect our self, but we forego some initial plans in order to resolve issues rather than to sweep them under the rug to supplant our relationship during some future problem. Genuine love is catching, and it would be a hardened mate that would refuse to respond lovingly in return.
Prayer:
Father God, as we change physically, emotionally, and spiritually over the years, there is a danger of us growing apart or focusing on our personal goals, rather than on plans we make as a couple and family. This is so lethal to our commitment and marital longevity. Teach us to love and sacrifice for one another as Jesus did for all of us (1 Corinthians 16:14).
We want to practice patience toward our mate and to work together through any issues that arise. We never really know the internal conflicts going on in each other’s life unless we commit to communicate freely. Help us to make time and to be vulnerable enough to have an open and honest, but loving and supportive relationship. Help us to pray together and to follow Your will for us as a couple.
Thoughts for the Day:
Love and commitment are not traits that human beings can perfect in our self; therefore, we need God’s Spirit in us to do the sanctifying work in each soul. We make a daily choice to love each other as Christ loves us and laid down His life for us. This allows us to also spread His love to our extended family, our neighbors, our church family, our community, and the world beyond.
