If you really love someone, you’ll make an effort to really get to know them, especially your spouse.
The giving kind of love makes it a habit to prefer your spouse above yourself. What could I do that would just make their day? What chores could I do for them today? What are their favorite things, their likes and dislikes?
When Denise and I got married, I was always trying to retrain her to think like me and to like what I liked. She liked Pepsi, but I always bought Coke, trying to convert her. Everybody knows Coke is better than Pepsi! You need to drink Pepsi!
At that time, I had been praying about something that wasn’t going the way I wanted it to. All of a sudden, God spoke to me. He said, “I’m not answering your prayer because you’re rude to your wife. She likes Pepsi.”
I got the message! I repented to Denise and started buying Pepsi! I turned into a Pepsi man!
Malachi 2:13-15 and 1 Peter 3:7 both say warn us that if you treat your spouse badly, your prayers won’t be answered.
“…Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7 NLT).
It’s the little things that mess up a marriage. It is the little foxes spoil the vines. The only competition we should have in marriage is who can love the other person the most. We should try to outdo each other in love!
A QUICK REMINDER
NEXT STEPS:
Find more ways to build a strong marriage.
THE TAKE AWAY
Real love, respect, and honor all require action. What specific actions can you take to show your spouse that you love them? Be proactive and love our spouse not just with words, but with actions!
Get to know your spouse and prepare for the road ahead with The Field Guide to Marriage.
Get the Field Guide to Marriage on MP3
