4 Core Strengths in Marriage, Pt. 2
Today, I’m excited to share the second part of this Core Strengths series by my friend and author Tami Myer who blogs at Manna for Marriage. If you missed last week’s post, you can go back and review the first two strengths needed for your marriage by clicking here. Personally, this posts are timely, since James and I celebrate our first anniversary this week (social distancing style). I’m so grateful for an amazing first year of marriage, and next week, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned this first year. But for now, please join me in welcoming Tami once more as she shares her last two points with us.
Post by Tami Myer
3. Commitment
Many people think that the most important “C” in marriage is communication. Communication is important, certainly, but I think that commitment is even more essential.
When you and your spouse are committed to one another, you gain a firm platform under your feet that allows you then to work on your communication or any other issue. Being committed to your marriage means that nothing on earth is more important than your relationship. Of course, you want your obedience to God to be your highest commitment, but your obedience to God motivates and strengthens your commitment to your marriage.
Even after exchanging vows on your wedding day, there are times when it is important to verbalize that commitment. When you and your spouse do not agree on the color of the carpet, it can be helpful to say, “I like the green, but I value you more than the carpet.” Or when you are dealing with something more serious, it can be very stabilizing to say, “This is tough, but I am absolutely committed to you and to our marriage.” Speaking your commitment out loud reminds you both of what you truly value.
Commitment is the solid foundation that undergirds a successful marriage. It is your commitment that protects your love, not the other way around. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it: “It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but … the marriage that sustains your love.”
4. Kindness
Is there ever a time not to be kind in your marriage?
Short answer: no. Long answer: never.
Some people seem to think that marriage is a license to be unkind, as if demonstrating thoughtlessness were part of real intimacy.
But God says:
Love is patient, love is kind. … It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. … Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV)
Practice kindness every day with your spouse. Nothing will strengthen your marriage more than simple, ordinary, everyday kindness.
Smile. Be patient. Give a hug. Speak a gentle or encouraging word. Stick a note on the mirror, or leave a small gift in the drawer. Join your spouse on an errand, or rub his shoulders. Refill her empty glass.
These things may seem little, but so are the breaths that we take into our lungs moment by moment. Our lives are sustained by the little things.
Honor. Attentiveness. Commitment. Kindness. These are relational strands that you can weave into your marriage every day. The result of these daily, consistent practices–however small or unseen–will be a strong and successful relationship.
Learn more about strengthening your marriage in “10 Simple But Powerful Ways to Build Your Marriage.”
