“Understanding Your Spouse”
You would think that after almost 20 years of marriage, I would totally understand my spouse and vice versa. I am here to tell you, that is not the case. We are still discovering things about each other, and each discovery brings us to a new level of understanding. (Can anyone identify with what I am saying?) For the past few weeks we have been focusing on; “How to have a PROSPEROUS marriage in 2018?” The letter for this week is U which stands for Understanding your spouse.
To understand is defined as; “to perceive the meaning of or to be thoroughly familiar with.” Are you thoroughly familiar with your spouse? When we understand, we go deeper, beyond the surface and learn more about each other. Often times, the right questions need to be asked to discover more about one’s background or upbringing. Believe it or not, your spouse’s upbringing has helped to shape and mold him/her into the person you married.
It is so important that we understand one another. Not understanding, can cause misunderstandings, arguments, bitterness and some times divorce. Understanding takes time, communication and honesty. Oh yeah, be sure to pray, and ask God to give you understanding. For the singles who are preparing for marriage, take time to have long conversations learning as much as you can about your significant other before you get married.
There is a reason why the Bible tells husbands to dwell with understanding. I Peter 3:7 says; “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” This says it all, if you want to have a prosperous marriage, you have to dwell with understanding.
Until next week . . .
Carolyn
Marriage from A to Z 