Celebrating Marriage in this issue! Happy Valentines Day!
It is Valentine’s Day and it is National Marriage Week in America. So…it is also fitting to debut the Foundational Characteristics to Build Intimacy & Longevity for a Godly & Happy Marriage. We gravitate to what we contemplate, so lets take a moment this month to focus our thoughts on what we can all do to speak life into our relationships and to see how the love of God will work through our purposeful efforts to prefer one another in love, with His love and His purpose.
Here’s the GOOD NEWS for everyone…even if you aren’t in a relationship. Our Father God is a relational God and He demonstrated perfect love to us by sending His Son, Jesus, to the world that everyone who believes in Him would be given the gift of eternal life. <Read God’s beautiful love story here>
There simply is no better Valentine’s love letter than that. Did you read it?
Consider having a conversation with your spouse around the following four characteristics to give your marriage a boost. Not married yet? You can adapt these to fit your relationships as they apply. Watch my video above with extra bonus stories as they apply to these foundational characteristics. You will see practical applications & scriptures with each one. Here they are:
#1 Christ-Centered foundation & forgiveness focused
Application: Pray & read the Bible together. Plug into a church community & enjoy faith-filled conversations at home. Forgive and encourage one another in the faith by applying the gifts of the spirit such as love, peace, kindness, and gentleness.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:32
#2 Committed to forever & to friendship
Application: Intimacy is fostered thru commitment. It allows vulnerability and trust to grow because commitment fosters friendship and security. Be in it for the long run. No “plan B” thinking or speaking. In fact, my husband and I committed at the start of our marriage to never entertain or play around with destructive words like “divorce”. We become what we think, believe and speak so speak life to, about and over each other. Instead of causing pain to your forever best friend’s heart, give cause to uplifting words, wise counsel and by extending mercy to your spouse. Talk about new ideas, your feelings & your love, often. Enjoy your forever best friend.
Scripture: Proverbs 27:9
#3 Communication – fine-tuned ears, eyes & heart to one another
Application: Be thoughtful and intentional to prefer one another above yourselves. Seek to understand first and to serve one another in this loving way. Before blurting out your thoughts, you might tenderly let your spouse know you’d like to have a conversation about something important and ask if it’s a good time to sit and talk. Are you and your spouse in the right head space to hear each other’s heart? If not, schedule the talk soon when you can lovingly communicate. Learn to lighten up & laugh at yourself and with each other. Laughter is good for the soul of marriage.
Scripture: Proverbs 17:22
#4 Create Space & Time with your spouse for fun, intimacy and for regular & purposeful financial conversations. Yes…money!
Application: Be purposeful to block off calendar space for dating your mate and for dreaming together and having meaningful conversations to continue to discover one another. Stay curious and flirtatious with your spouse. Keep fun alive and know it is more of an attitude than an activity. Be silly, sassy and serious about creating fun moments together. And on a serious note, you might try something we began a couple of years ago to do regularly regarding our finances. Since communication and finances are at the top of the list for marital issues, we decided to communicate about finances often as teammates. We found that it has helped us build trust and unity as we work together towards our common goals, dreams and generosity. For us, Monday’s work best, so we implemented Marriage Mondays. We literally put a standing appointment each Monday morning on our calendars to discuss our finances and make decisions together. Then Monday evening, we focus on our relationship by preferring one another above all others. We guard this time together!
Scripture: Romans 12
Begin today to apply these characteristics to every domain of your marriage and life. See the best in each other. Believe the best concerning your spouse and speak the best to each other and to others about your spouse. You watch & see the Lord work good in your relationship while giving you an opportunity to bring glory to Him in the process…as you apply His Word to your life.
Speak Life Over Your Marriage – On Purpose – For A Purpose – As the Holy Spirit Leads The Way and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Listen! What do you hear God speaking to you?
GOOD NEWS from the Word of God:
“Two are better than one…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Greg’s 2 minute video segment above will inspire you as you set your goals and make plans to stay in the game. I love having him share these short messages. He inspires me too! >>> Watch it now <<<
Suzanne: He Reveals to Heal!
Greg: Keep Faith’n it!
Greg & Suzanne Grimaud, Authors – Speakers – Coaches