Marriage
"Give thanks in all circumstances," commands the Word of God in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
There is a great quote by William Arthur Ward which goes: "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
These inspirational words of encouragement offer a powerful summary of why you should always be showing your gratitude for your spouse. Not expressing your gratitude is like having a thoughtful present ready to give to them but never handing it over. The Bible asks Christians to give thanks always, not only to God, but in all aspects of their lives. "Give thanks in all circumstances," commands the Word of God in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Amen.
If you need further encouragement to persuade you of the power of appreciation, then here are three solid reasons why your marriage can only benefit from always showing your appreciation:
- Showing your gratitude will make your spouse happy
We all like to know that we are appreciated. Think of yourself, and of how good it feels to be recognized for your efforts or how bad it feels to go unnoticed. You should not strive to do good deeds just for the attention and recognition, but even those with the noblest of intentions like to know that they were able to make a difference.
It's no good keeping a wrapped present for someone else to yourself. If you have gratitude to give to your spouse, then it only makes sense to give it. Your small gesture will give them a reason to be happy and to smile.
- Showing your gratitude will make you happy
Most of us love getting gifts, but it also gives us joy to give presents to others. Getting the perfect gift for someone, wrapping it up, and seeing the joy on their face when they open it is sometimes better than getting a present yourself.
It's always nice to see that you can make someone happy, particularly someone that you care a lot about, such as your spouse. Do not deprive yourself of the kind of happiness that comes with making someone else happy. On top of giving your spouse a better day, you will notice an extra little skip in your step as well.
- Showing your gratitude will strengthen your relationship
Material gifts should never be what keep a relationship going, but knowing that someone thought of you on Christmas, your birthday, or just because they felt that you deserved a gift is a part of the glue that strengthens it.
Just as there are times for giving presents, there are also times for expressing your gratitude. Let your spouse know that you appreciate them when they have gone out of their way to help you or make your life better in some way, and they will never be able to doubt how much they mean to you.
Next time your spouse makes you smile, goes above and beyond the call of duty, or just does something that makes you grateful they are yours, do not hesitate to let them know. You will be adding an additional ray of positivity to both of your days, and strengthening your relationship just a bit more every single time.
Spiritual Prayer
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.