Marriage
is more than just a union of two people; it is a divine partnership, ordained
by God, where unity and shared purpose are central. In Acts 4:32, we see the
early believers in Christ operating with a sense of unity that is an example
for all marriages. The Bible says they were of one heart and one soul, meaning
their intentions, goals, and visions were aligned. Similarly, marriage requires
spouses to be in harmony, not just in the physical sense but also in their
hearts and minds.
Communication:
The Lifeblood of Unity
The
foundation of any successful marriage is communication. In marriage, it’s easy
to fall into a routine where both partners go about their daily lives, but a
marriage that thrives is one where both spouses are continuously engaging in
open and honest dialogue. Communication doesn’t just involve sharing your
thoughts, it involves sharing your dreams, goals, fears, and concerns. It’s
about being transparent and allowing your spouse into your inner world, which
fosters emotional intimacy and trust.
Example:
Abigail 1 Samuel 25
In
1 Samuel 25, we witness the power of communication through the story of
Abigail and Nabal. Abigail's quick thinking and wisdom saved her family from
destruction. She didn’t just act on her own; she communicated with her husband,
Nabal, and prevented a crisis. Her example teaches us that effective
communication, especially when it comes to major decisions, can not only
prevent harm but can also create solutions. Similarly, when we communicate
openly in marriage, we are better positioned to support and guide one another
through challenges.
How
to carry your spouse along
·
Involve Your Spouse in
Decisions and Plans
Marriage
is not a dictatorship; it is a partnership where both spouses should feel that
their voices matter. How often do you include your spouse in discussions about the
future, whether they involve finances, career moves, or family decisions?
Carrying your spouse along means giving them the space to express their
opinions and being open to their thoughts, even when they differ from your own.
Unity
in marriage is not about always agreeing, but about agreeing that you will make
decisions together, in mutual respect and trust. This doesn’t mean you won’t
have differences of opinion about matters; after all, two people in any
relationship may have differing perspectives. However, it does mean that no
decision is made in isolation. You are not alone in your journey, and every
decision impacts both partners. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that "plans
fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed."
In marriage, your spouse is your first and most important adviser.
Shared
Responsibilities: Strengthening the Bond
Another
way to carry your spouse along is through shared responsibilities. Often, one partner
may bear the brunt of responsibilities in the marriage, whether it’s in taking
care of the household, managing finances, or raising children. This imbalance
can lead to resentment and feelings of being unappreciated.
In
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, we read, “Two are better than one, because
they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his
companion.” This passage highlights the power of working together. In
marriage, both spouses should share responsibilities equally. This includes not
only physical tasks but emotional and spiritual duties as well. When both
partners are equally investing in the marriage, it fosters a deeper connection
and ensures that neither one feels alone in their efforts.
Intentional
Time Together: Nourishing the Relationship
In
the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget the importance of spending
quality time with your spouse. Yet, just as a plant needs water and sunlight to
grow, a marriage needs time and attention to thrive. Regularly check in with
your spouse and ask about their day, their feelings, and needs. Let them know
that they are a priority in your life.
Consider
setting aside intentional time to connect, whether it's a weekly date night or
simply sitting down after a busy day to talk. Quality time doesn’t have to be
extravagant, but it should be meaningful. When you prioritise your spouse, you
affirm that they are important to you.
The
Power of Mutual Growth
Finally, carrying your spouse along means fostering an environment where both partners can grow together. Marriage isn’t static; it is dynamic and ever-evolving. Encourage your spouse in their personal and professional pursuits and support them as they seek to grow in their faith. Likewise, take steps to invest in your own growth, so that you can bring your best self into the marriage. When both partners are committed to growing individually and together, the marriage becomes a powerful force for good.
Call
to Action:
·
Reflect:
Take a moment to reflect on how well you are carrying your spouse along in your
marriage. Are you keeping them in the loop with your plans, goals, and
decisions? Are you sharing responsibilities in a way that strengthens your
bond?
·
Pray:
Ask God for wisdom and grace to communicate openly, share responsibilities, and
make decisions together. Pray for the unity and growth of your marriage.
·
Act:
Make a commitment today to involve your spouse more deeply in your journey.
Take time to listen to their heart, make decisions together, and prioritise your relationship above all else.
Remember,
marriage is a shared journey, and the road is much more fulfilling when both
partners walk it together. Make the decision today to carry your spouse along,
not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. The
unity you build will become the foundation for a strong, lasting, and
joy-filled marriage.