Marriage
"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" says a thought-provoking Biblical quote from Amos 3:3.
No marriage can remain happy and fulfilling if it lacks effective and open communication. You cannot expect your significant other to be able to read your mind, and they cannot expect it of you either. Both spouses have wants and needs that must be given voice if they are going to be properly attended to. If the two of you made the decision to get married, then it is likely because you believe that you have the ability to make each other truly happy. The only way to do this, however, is to keep the lines of communication open always.
"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" says a thought-provoking Biblical quote from Amos 3:3. This inspiring verse points to the fact that the only way for two people to effectively work together and enjoy each other's company is to actively agree to it. Without good communication, there can be no agreement.
Many people are scared of the word "communication" because they fear that it involves long, tedious, and emotional talks that require both partners to nitpick at every aspect of the marriage. The truth is, however, that good, ongoing communication is precisely what can keep these sorts of intense talks from happening. Resentment and anxiety can easily build up if important things go unsaid, leading to a floodgate of emotions when someone bursts because they just cannot keep silent anymore. But, if you and your spouse are always on the same page, then minor disagreements and differences of opinion are far less likely to result in heated and emotional discussion.
A great way to keep an active and ongoing dialog alive within your marriage is for both partners to agree that they will never meet openness with hostility or defensiveness. This way, if one of you, needs to bring up a sensitive and difficult topic, the other person will remember to stay calm and hear them out before jumping to conclusions and becoming upset. Marriages do sometimes need to tackle unpleasant issues that you might rather tuck away and ignore as long as you can. It is best, however, to deal with these issues quickly.
Keep in mind that good communication is not only beneficial for dealing with the stresses and difficulties of a marriage, but that it is also a great way to enrich the positive aspects of a marriage as well. Communication involves letting your spouse know every day how much you love them and appreciate them. It is a great way to practice positive reinforcement and let your spouse know when they've done something to make you happy, not only when they've done something to upset you.
A healthy Christian marriage is one where important issues do not go unsaid for too long. Relationship problems should be addressed and dealt with before they get out of hand, and relationship positives should be acknowledged and cultivated. Just remember to be open, honest, understanding, and compassionate, and you will always be able to communicate with one another.
Spiritual Prayer
My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth is bold against my enemies because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is none Holy as the Lord, For there is none besides You, and there is no rock like our God. Do not multiply proud speech, nor let arrogance come out of your mouth, for the Lord is the God of Knowledge, and by Him actions are examined. The bows of the mighty are broken, but those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those that were full have hired out themselves for bread and those that were hungry ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven and she that has many children waste away. The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich. He brings low and lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the oppressed from the dunghill to make them sit with princes and inherit a throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth belong to the Lord, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked will be silent in darkness. For by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord will be broken to pieces. He will thunder against them out of heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of the anointed.