A couple of weeks ago I wrote something about spouses being good to each other and why spouses should be good to each other. These were in response to a message brought by Pastor Barbie Loflin (@sheteaches on Twitter). I’d like to follow those two “theoretical” posts with a post dedicated to making theory into practice.
I Want Your Comments
Before I even head down this road I would like to say that I don’t begin to know all of the answers. In fact, I’m hoping that I hear many great ideas from you. And that because I am a follower of Jesus, my comments will certainly be bent towards the perspective of living the Gospel.
My (Incomplete) List
Here are just a few ways that spouses can be good to each other.
- Pray
Spend some time with God each day. Make sure that you are putting some time and effort into maintaining your relationship with God. Pray for your spouse. Pray for your family. Pray for your enemies. - Read the Bible
The Bible is the foundation for Truth in your life. It is how God has chosen to reveal himself to humanity. - Learn Your Spouse’s Love Language
Learn your spouse’s love language. And make every effort to build them up using their love language.
- Encourage Your Spouse
Encourage your spouse as a person. Recognize success and growth. Find at least one thing a day about which you can praise your spouse. - Date Your Spouse
Go do something your spouse enjoys. Play a game. Talk for a while. Walk down the street holding hands. - Brag on Your Spouse
Brag on your spouse – whether he or she is present or not. Recognize his or her good qualities. Recognize what he or she brings to the relationship and adds your family and your life together.
Now for Your Comments & Stories
How about you? What is missing from my list? Do you have a story of how your spouse has shown love to you? Of how your spouse has lived the Gospel?
Share those in the comments section.
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I'll go first. One of my Facebook friends wanted to make sure that we understand that talk can be cheap. That actions are important, too.
One of the ways that my wife recently showed me that she loves me was by doing the laundry. Normally I wash & dry the laundry (I know…not stereotypical “man's” work – but I'm OK doing the laundry). But last something came up last Saturday and I had to head out for a couple of hours.
When I returned home, Katherine had not only folded the previous week's laundry (I'm not perfect) but had also started two more loads of laundry while I was gone.
A small thing? Not to me. Katherine rocks!
Pray
* my spouse and I are not religious and find that you put this on here offensive
Read the Bible
* again, offensive
Learn Your Spouse’s Love Language
* already do
Encourage Your Spouse
* already do
Date Your Spouse
* already do
Brag on Your Spouse
* isn’t “pride” a sin?
your list is incomplete.
Communication is most important, (not asking your immaginary friend for advise)
talk to your spouse, all the time, even if you don’t think its sinking in… talk anyway
ejes,
Thank you for your comments. I'll certainly have to agree with you about communication. That is something that my wife and I try to do. You'll have to ask her how well I do at it.
Also, I apologize that I didn't see you had left a comment before I claimed I was leaving the first comment.
It is unfortunate that my comments relating to my spirituality offended you. My readership is generally comprised of people following the teachings of Jesus. However, I did make certain to preface my remarks to ensure that those reading would know where I was coming from.
— bryan
I agree with the importance of Love Languages, but add Personality styles. Personality Plus, by Florence Littauer, transformed our marriage (actually every aspect of my personal and professional life). You're also spot on about bragging. Sadly, it's all to easy – and common – to do the opposite.
Thanks Steve. I'll have to check out that book. Sounds like a good (powerful) read.
Thanks Steve. I'll have to check out that book. Sounds like a good (powerful) read.