Everyday Habits for Married Couples
“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, 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.”
Matthew 19:4-6 (NLT)
Priorities
The other day, I read an article in RELEVANT Magazine called 5 Things Married Couples Should Do Every Day. God created us to live in relationship with other people, but there is one relationship that is above all others, our marriage. God calls us to put God first, our spouse second, then our relationships with our children, friends, etc. third, fourth, and fifth. (Don't put your spouse above your safety. If you are living in an abusive relationship, seek assistance now!)
I was reading another article this week in Mothering Magazine from a mom talking about how her sexual life with her husband has changed after having children. One thing stood out to me in the article. She said, “our bed is no longer just ‘ours.’” This phrase got me thinking about how many of us put our children above our marriage. Here are some ways that you can put your spouse above your other relationships.
What to Do
RELEVANT lists 5 things that every couple must do:
Connect Spiritually: This could be praying together daily, talking about what you've read in your quiet time, attending a Growth Group together, or studying the Bible together.
Communicate Meaningfully: Take time every day to talk about things that truly matter. RELEVANT suggests these questions: "What was the best part of your day today?" or "What's something I can do to help you out this week?" A friend of mine uses these questions with her husband: "What are you laughing about? What are you crying about? What are you dreaming about?"
Touch Often: Make time every day to have physical touch, whether it's cuddling on the couch watching TV or while reading or even setting up a date night and time for intimacy.
Confess and Forgive: Have a safe space to share things that need confessing and forgive often. When you start keeping up with "he did this" and "she did that" you will quickly damage your relationship.
Get Away: Make time to spend just the two of you. It could be a home date after the kids go to bed, planning a date night, or taking a weekend getaway. Make your marriage a priority.
We'd like to help you make your marriage a priority. There is a powerful marriage retreat coming up in November in Destin called A Weekend to Remember. Get away and come together. Early bird registration ends October 3rd. My husband and I have been and can personally attest to how wonderful the weekend is.
Challenge today: Find a new way to show your spouse that you love them and are thinking about them.
Blessings!
-Faith
Faith Parry serves as our Associate Pastor, and has been at the church since 2015. When she's not preaching and teaching, she enjoys documentaries and TV. Read more about Faith here.
