You're Among Friends, Speak Your Mind!
DEVOTIONAL FOR COUPLES
WORK AS A TEAM
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.
1 JOHN 4:18 NRSV
Since none of us is going to reach perfection during this lifetime, on occasion we will experience some fear in our relationships. For most, these fears will be minor: spending a little too much for an unnecessary luxury, gaining a little too much weight, making a decision without consulting the other, and so on. Actually, we don't fear our spouses' reactions as much as we wonder what they will think of us. Will they trust us as much as before?
Learning to work as a team and trusting the other member takes time. As the years go by, we become more attuned to our partners. We discover what bugs them and what doesn't, and out of lovt — not fear — we adjust our actions. In time, there will be no fear between us, only patience and understanding.
Father, help us in this job of removing fear and uncertainty from our relationship. Help us to grow in confidence and love as a couple.
10—GOD'S WORD FOR COUPLES
ACCEPTANCE
Did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
JOB 31:34 KJV
Let's face it, not everyone in your family is going to love your spouse immediately. Most of them will accept your choice, but one or two may not be much more than civil, considering her or him "beneath you" for one reason or another.
Avoiding those critical family members because of fear or anger serves nothing. It is better to show up at family events and keep on smiling, even if you're seething inside. With time, your spouse will prove to be "good enough" through the strength of your marriage, shared family experiences, and any children you may be blessed with. We cannot demand acceptance from anyone; we have to earn it, one day at a time.
Father, give us the patience we need to become valued members of our spouse's family. With time, they will realize how good we are for each other.
GOD'S WORD FCR COUPLES—n
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.
1 JOHN 4:18 NRSV
Since none of us is going to reach perfection during this lifetime, on occasion we will experience some fear in our relationships. For most, these fears will be minor: spending a little too much for an unnecessary luxury, gaining a little too much weight, making a decision without consulting the other, and so on. Actually, we don't fear our spouses' reactions as much as we wonder what they will think of us. Will they trust us as much as before?
Learning to work as a team and trusting the other member takes time. As the years go by, we become more attuned to our partners. We discover what bugs them and what doesn't, and out of lovt — not fear — we adjust our actions. In time, there will be no fear between us, only patience and understanding.
Father, help us in this job of removing fear and uncertainty from our relationship. Help us to grow in confidence and love as a couple.
10—GOD'S WORD FOR COUPLES
ACCEPTANCE
Did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
JOB 31:34 KJV
Let's face it, not everyone in your family is going to love your spouse immediately. Most of them will accept your choice, but one or two may not be much more than civil, considering her or him "beneath you" for one reason or another.
Avoiding those critical family members because of fear or anger serves nothing. It is better to show up at family events and keep on smiling, even if you're seething inside. With time, your spouse will prove to be "good enough" through the strength of your marriage, shared family experiences, and any children you may be blessed with. We cannot demand acceptance from anyone; we have to earn it, one day at a time.
Father, give us the patience we need to become valued members of our spouse's family. With time, they will realize how good we are for each other.
GOD'S WORD FCR COUPLES—n
Tags: advice
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