Happily Ever After: Devotions from Time of GraceÖrnek

When You’re Newlyweds: Compassion

Some of the wisest words ever uttered about building great family relationships came from a career bachelor--St. Paul. Inspired by the Holy Spirit though, he identified five Christ-like qualities to cultivate in yourself that will make you a joy to live with. Even though he wasn’t speaking specifically about marriage, there are few passages in Scripture that better contribute to a “happily ever after” marriage.

He uses the analogy of putting on clothes. Not wedding clothes. Marriage clothes. Here’s item #1: “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion” (Colossians 3:12).

"Compassion" comes from two Latin words meaning “suffering along with someone.” It is the wonderful characteristic in a loving spouse that makes one willing to hear a partner’s bad news, share a partner’s pain, go through a partner’s stress.

This one is primarily for the men. Guys, when you ask her how her day went, look at her the whole time, listen to it all, don’t look at a clock, and let her know that your heart resonates with everything she’s been through. Don’t try to fix it or fix her. Don’t interrupt. Just listen and let her bond emotionally with you. That’s compassion.