How To Limit Criticism In Your Marriage
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to encourage my spouse rather than criticizing them. Amen.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
REFLECT:
In life, it’s easy to constantly point out the wrongs we see. If it’s a wrong at work, we want to criticize and tell a coworker. If we have a bad experience at a restaurant, we want to tell someone else how bad the food or service was. The point is, it’s easy to criticize as it takes almost no effort. What’s difficult though, is to encourage. Specifically, our spouse.
In our marriage, it’s easy to criticize, as well, either because of something our spouse did or didn’t do but what we can see from the scriptures above is that selfless acts of encouragement is what can make a relationship, specifically a marriage, last. No one likes to live on edge wondering what wrong is going to be pointed out next.
APPLY:
Sow encouragement into your marriage by intentionally pointing out ways your spouse is a blessing to you. Make it your mission to be the CEO (chief encouragement officer) of your house. If you see your spouse give someone a ride to work, tell them that was a very nice thing they did. If you see them taking out the trash or making dinner, let them know you are thankful for all they do. How can you sow encouragement in your marriage starting today?
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to encourage my spouse and treat them like the blessing they are. Amen.
WORSHIP: