In a marital relationship, prioritising your partner is crucial. Putting your partner first demonstrates
love, respect, and commitment.
This can be illustrated by
the traffic rules when you get to a roundabout, for instance. In a right-handed
country where they drive on the right. The rule is that when you get to a roundabout or junction, you are to give way to traffic on the right. This implies
that you give preference or access to the other road user on the road. The same
way, putting your partner first is giving them the right of way.
Another translation says in Romans
12:10 (KJV) Be kindly affectioned
one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Putting your partner first
is an act of kindness and consideration. It strengthens your bond; it deepens
your emotional connection and builds trust. Your partner feels secure, which
leads to an increase in trust and loyalty.
Additionally, it improves
communication, which encourages openness and honesty; it also fosters teamwork;
when both partners prioritise each other, they become an unstoppable team.
Ways of putting your partner
first include:
·
Prioritise your partner’s needs and desires above
your own
·
Give your undivided attention to your partners and
seek to understand his/her thoughts and feelings
·
Show understanding and care for your partner
·
Be willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of
your partner and the relationship.
·
Show respect and gratitude for your partner by
acknowledging their worth.
The analogy of the
relationship of Jesus Christ and the Church in Eph 5:25-33 gives us a vivid
picture of putting your partner first. Jesus Christ is referred to as the husband, and the church is His bride. He loved the Church that He gave Himself
up for her, making her holy and beautiful. He nourishes and cherishes the
church, making her radiant and blameless; so also husbands are to love their
wives in the same way, and wives are to submit themselves unto their husbands,
prioritising their needs and making sacrifices. This story shows that true love
is selfless, nourishing and cherishing, blessing the other person.
Prioritising your partner
therefore is a choice that requires effort and commitment. By doing so, you
create a loving, supportive and thriving relationship.
ACTION TO CALL:
- Listening attentively
to your partner
- Prioritise quality time
together
- Show appreciation for
each other
- Support each other’s
goals and dreams
- Be selfless.