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You know the saying, "Marriages are made in Heaven, but they sure take a lot of
maintenance on earth!"
Many times people go from relationship to another seeking the perfect relationship.
They can't seem to maintain relationships, bailing out whenever conflict occurs;
later learning there is no perfect relationship.
Relationships and marriage are high maintenance. If you want good, healthy,
relationships in your life, you need to be willing to work at it, you need the
wisdom of God, and you need to understand the dynamics of relationships.
"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from
evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
There are three powerful truths in this verse that when applied, will greatly aid
in the success of a fulfilling and happy marriage. They are:
The most important thing in your life besides your relationship with God are the
people in your life. It's not your job or your money, or your hobbies. And if your
married, it's your spouse!
You can have everything, but if you lack good relationships, you are unfulfilled
and empty.
On the other hand, you can have very little, but if you have friends and fulfilling
relationships, you are rich!
It's sad to say, but many people only know what it's like to have dysfunctional
relationships. There are so many homes that are full of strife and marriages not at
peace. That is not God's best for your marriage.
God wants you to enjoy your spouse. I believe with all my heart, that God divinely
connected you with your mate. He wants you to enjoy your spouse and not be at odds
with him or her.
Here are some helpful steps in staying connected with your spouse that if you work
on, will produce a stronger, happier marriage.
3. Lighten Up!
A merry heart does good like a medicine! Don't be too serious all of the time.
Remember to laugh, play and have fun with the people in your life. (Proverbs 15:13)
My Daddy used to say that he and my mother argued from the neck up. That meant that
they never let anything get into their heart. They didn't hold things against each
other. They dealt with the offense and moved on.
7. Recognize strife when it starts and stop before it gets out of hand.
(Proverbs 17:14)
8. Be a peacemaker.
Decide that you are going to be a peacemaker in your marriage, in your home, in the
office, and everywhere you go. It is a choice that we make. We all can choose to be
peacemakers (James 3:18, Proverbs 12:20, Proverbs 16:7, Matthew 5:9)
Ephesians 4:2-3 says to be completely humble and gently; be patient, bearing with
one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the
bond of peace.
All great marriages take work. Make it your goal to daily remember these biblical
points. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and to bring to your attention whenever
you're tempted to act out of love. And remember, where there is peace, God commands
a blessing!