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1st Marriage ZZ

Celebrate

‘Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.’ Philippians 2:1-4(NLT)

‘The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.’ Proverbs 11:25(NLT)

In our home, we try to celebrate each other’s accomplishments. We use phrases like “great job” and “that’s great!” These phrases make us excited about sharing good news with one another. It makes our marriage a safe place. Every time your spouse does something good, big or small, celebrate it. We call it “throwing them a birthday party,” with words full of confetti and sprinkles, even if it’s not their actual birthday!

True love is a birthday party and true love should never end. Celebrate all the time and every chance you get- it will brighten your spouse’s day and boost their confidence!

from True Love Never Ends

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1st Marriage ZZ

Room For Error

‘Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.’ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7(NLT)

‘Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ‘ Colossians 3:12-14(NLT)

“No one is perfect!” We hear that said a lot but, to be honest, in marriage it is easy to start acting perfect. This happens when we pay attention to our spouse’s flaws and mistakes and place them on a scoreboard to feel good about ourselves. However, we grow when we leave room for error. We all mess up; though, if we’re not forgiving or merciful to our spouse, it can create a wedge in our marriage.

We all know that being with someone everyday increases the chance to see more of their mistakes. Therefore, we have to leave room for error to keep our  marriage safe for one another. Jesus reminds us to forgive and show mercy. Jesus left room for error with his disciples, and this allowed for the bigger plan to be accomplished. Give your spouse a break so the greater plan of your marriage can be fulfilled.

from True Love Never Ends

Categories
1st Marriage ZZ

Friendship Matters

‘A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.’ Proverbs 17:17(NLT)

My spouse and I went to college together and started out as friends. We talked and hung out all the time. It was from our friendship that love developed. It is from our friendship that love continues to grow.

Remembering we are friends with our mates takes the pressure away. When life gets serious, and it’s time to discuss things like bills, family trips and where to spend the holidays, it can be stressful. However, when we choose to approach life as friends, we get through things a bit better. Sometimes, talking about life in a relaxed setting, over your favorite pizza or snack, releases the tension. Friendship matters. Jesus was a friend to the disciples and this allowed them to connect on a deeper level and accomplish many things. As we follow the leadership of Jesus, we all can accomplish greater things in our marriages. So, let’s figure out life alongside our best friend– our spouse.

from True Love Never Ends

Categories
1st Marriage ZZ

Limitless Compliments

‘Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.’ Ephesians 4:29(NLT)

‘Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.’ Proverbs 16:24(NLT)

There are enough opinions and comments in the world to influence the way we see ourselves. Society does a great job at labeling us and making it hard to be comfortable in the skin we’re in. However, marriage should be the safest place to be ourselves. After a long day in the world, going home should be something we look forward to. We should take time to compliment our spouse throughout the day and as they come home. Even on tough days, if we take time to reflect on our spouse’s good qualities, we could find creative ways to boost their confidence.

In our marriage, we write each other notes and put them in lunch bags. Also, we often take time to compliment each other after we get dressed. These small gestures go a long way. As we take time to highlight each other’s good qualities, we fill the other’s “love tank” so they never walk out into the world empty.

Take a moment and think of a creative way to compliment your spouse today, without expecting anything in return.

from True Love Never Ends

Categories
1st Marriage ZZ

Why Love?

‘I am my lover’s, and he claims me as his own.’ Song of Songs 7:10(NLT)

‘and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”’ Mark 10:8-9(NLT)

Have you stopped to ask yourself why you truly love your spouse? This question can be harder than we think. Over time, we can lose sight of our reasons for love due to day-to-day motions of life. Between work, grocery shopping, family issues, and tough situations, it’s important to take time, pause and reflect on our reason(s) for love.

Today, take a moment and truly reflect on why you love your spouse. Is it what they do for you? Is it how they make you feel? Has it become a duty to love? With these thoughts in mind, know that God desires to sustain your marriage forever. 

from True Love Never Ends