An encouraging quote from 1 Corinthians 10:24, for example, reminds us that "no one should seek their own good, but the good of others."




It’s true that some people are just naturally more thoughtful than others. There are those who always seem to have their spouse on their mind. They are always picking up small gifts or leaving kind notes for their husband or wife, and they just generally have the ability to make their spouse feel important and appreciated. If you wish you were more like this but find that you can never seem to remember to do all those little things that thoughtful people do, do not worry. It is possible to learn to be thoughtful, or, more accurately, to turn thoughtfulness into a habit.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you should not feel badly if you do not consider yourself to be a naturally thoughtful person. It doesn't mean that you do not care about your spouse. If you are kind, caring, and always there for your husband or wife when they need you, then you are likely already a great partner who can become that much better by learning to be more thoughtful.

When trying to be more thoughtful, you should not worry about what specific thing you should say or do. Just ask yourself a few simple questions throughout the day. Every time you interact with your spouse, try to remember to ask yourself if there is anything you could do that would make them happier or help them out. If, for example, you know they are going to have a busy day, then you can offer to run an errand or do a chore for them.

Focus on being a good listener rather than fretting about being thoughtful. If you pay close attention and genuinely care about your spouse, then they will let you know what they need by their words and actions. If you do not actually listen to your husband or wife, then you will never know what you should be thoughtful about!

If you need some extra help being thoughtful, then do not be afraid to turn to God. Pray to Him and ask Him to help turn you into a more thoughtful person so that you can be a better partner for your spouse. You can also draw inspiration from scripture by devoting some time every day to sitting down and reading the Bible. The Bible is full of motivating verses that can remind you to put your spouse first. An encouraging quote from 1 Corinthians 10:24, for example, reminds us that "no one should seek their own good, but the good of others."

At the end of the day, just remember that some of the thoughtful people you see may naturally be that way, but most have probably made the conscious decision to act how they do. Over time, you will find that being thoughtful starts to come naturally to you too. Being thoughtful doesn't have to be exhausting. All it takes is genuine caring, the ability to listen, and once in a while asking yourself if there is anything you can do to make your significant other feel more appreciated.

 

Spiritual Prayer 

I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:

“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong.We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.  We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land. “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you.  The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;  we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets.  All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.  “Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.  You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.   Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.  The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.  “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong.  Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts,turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill.Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.  “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary.  Give ear, our God, and hear;open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”