Redefining Loveنموونە

Love Is Cherishing

Devotional Content:

Marriage is a gift’ from God. We are accountable to Him with how we handle that gift. In my marriage, I have two major choices: I can work hard to make it the best marriage possible or I can really mess it up. I can choose to nurture my relationship with my wife or I can choose to damage the relationship by either doing something that hurts my wife or by simply coasting through marriage without bothering to work at it.

How is a marriage relationship nurtured? I often talk to men who really want their marriages to be better but just do not know what to do. Men are usually not very relational, but their wives usually are. Men need to understand how to relate to their wives on this level. Wives long for their husband's’ companionship. They not only want their husbands to spend time with them but they want their husbands to actually enjoy that time spent together. If you are a husband, remember this: Your wife wants to be your first choice. And if you are a wife, remember this: Your husband wants to be your first choice.

Here are some ideas to help make that happen:

• Talk together and ask each other how you would each like to spend time together.
• When your spouse is talking to you, listen—I mean really listen—and be ready to respond.
• Next to God, think of your spouse first.
• Pray for each other.
• Let your spouse know how much he or she means to you.
• Surprise each other at unexpected moments.
• Say “I love you” to each other every day.

Your spouse is a gift’ from God. Don’t ever lose sight of that truth. Each day thank God for your gi’ and ask Him to guide you in your role as a husband or a wife. Pray to see your spouse each day through God’s eyes. Cherish your spouse. It’s your job.

Today’s Challenge:

Marriage is a gift from God. We are accountable to Him with how we handle that gift. Don’t lose sight of the fact that your spouse is a gift from God.

Going Deeper:

Commit to pray daily for God to help you see your spouse through His eyes.