Prioritizing Your Marriage

In the beautiful tapestry of life, marriage is one of the most intricate and profound threads. It's a journey filled with laughter, love, and challenges. But amid all the twists and turns, there are two essential priorities that can make your marital journey not just bearable but truly extraordinary: putting God at the center of your marriage and making your spouse your primary ministry and most important relationship.

1. Putting God at the Center of Your Marriage

Picture your marriage as a triangle with God at the top and you and your spouse at the bottom corners. The closer you each move toward God, the closer you'll naturally become to each other. Here's why this matters:

a) Foundation of Values: When you base your marriage on shared spiritual values and principles, you have a strong foundation to weather any storm. Your faith becomes a guiding light during both joyous and challenging times.

b) Source of Strength: In the hustle and bustle of life, your relationship with God can be a wellspring of strength. When you're spiritually connected, you have a reservoir of patience, forgiveness, and love to draw from.

c) Perspective and Purpose: God provides a higher perspective and purpose to your marriage. It's a reminder that your love story is part of a much bigger narrative, and you're called to serve a purpose greater than yourselves.

🛠️Practical Tip: Start each day with a moment of prayer or reflection together. Seek guidance from the Bible, such as Ephesians 4:2-3: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

2. Your Spouse as Your Primary Ministry and Most Important Relationship

In the busyness of life, it's easy to get sidetracked by other priorities - work, children, social commitments. While these are important, remember that your spouse deserves a unique place in your heart and schedule.

a) Nurturing Intimacy: Your spouse is your confidant, your partner in crime, and your most intimate companion. Invest time and effort in nurturing this closeness. Share your dreams, fears, and thoughts openly.

b) Service and Humility: Practice humble service to your spouse. Sometimes it's the small acts of kindness that make the biggest difference. Make their favorite meal, surprise them with a heartfelt note, or simply listen without judgment.

c) Maintaining Connection: Life can pull you in different directions, but make it a priority to spend quality time together. Date nights, walks in the park, or even just sitting together and talking can reignite the spark.

🛠️Practical Tip: Set aside a specific time each week for "spouse time." No distractions, just you and your partner. This dedicated time will strengthen your bond and remind you both of the special connection you share.

Remember, in the grand mosaic of your life, your relationship with God and your marriage are the two most precious tiles. Strive to keep them in their rightful place, and the rest of life will fall into a beautiful pattern.

But, and this is important, if you ever find yourselves facing an issue that seems insurmountable, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Just as you would consult a doctor for a physical ailment, a trained therapist or counselor can provide invaluable guidance for your emotional and relational well-being.

So, dear couples, let's embark on this journey of love and faith together. Prioritize God and your spouse, and watch your marriage flourish into something truly remarkable.

-Tools for Marriage 🛠️