Faith at Work: A Plan for Business LeadersSample

For those of us working in the marketplace, we often find ourselves juggling numerous responsibilities—meetings, deadlines, and decision-making can easily consume our time and energy. And often while these things consume us - they often add a big component to our lives: STRESS. Amidst the chaos of work, it's crucial not to neglect one of the most important relationships in our lives: our marriage. Communication with our spouse is foundational to building a strong partnership, yet it can often be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us of the power of our words. Our words need to be uplifting, encouraging and for building each other up - both with colleagues at work but also at home with our family. When was the last time you intentionally encouraged your spouse?

Taking a moment to express appreciation or affection can strengthen your bond and foster an environment of love and support. I have personally been trying this at home. I say trying this because initially it felt awkward and mildly embarrassing for some reason. My wife was certainly not expecting it. But by ignoring those feelings that may have held me back, I took an important step to strengthen my marriage!

Proverbs 18:21 highlights this fact: our words are either life-giving or destructive. In the heat of a busy work week, it can be easy to let frustration spill over into our conversations with our spouse. If we're not careful, our words can bring harm rather than healing. Remember that we can change our trajectory with the words that we speak.

To improve communication with your spouse, consider these practical tips:

1. Prioritize Quality Time: Make it a habit to set aside time each day or week to check in with each other. Whether it's a morning coffee or an evening walk, dedicated time fosters deeper conversations.
2. Listen Actively: Communication is a two-way street. When your spouse shares their thoughts or concerns, practice active listening.
3. Be Open: Sometimes we need to choose to be open. Share your own struggles and successes. Opening up about work challenges can strengthen your bond and encourage your spouse to share their own experiences.
4. Express Gratitude: Regularly express appreciation for each other. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in reinforcing your connection and reminding each other of your value.
5. Pray Together: Bringing your relationship before God invites His Guidance into your communication. Praying together can strengthen your bond and help you navigate any challenges that arise.

Remember, we don’t just want to share information with our spouse; we want to nurture our relationship and build a strong foundation of trust and love. We know that when we do this, we will see the fruit of it in our lives.