Blessed. It’s one of those words that people like to use, especially to convey good wishes. Someone sneezes, we say “God bless you.” When asked, “How are you?” we reply with “I’m blessed.” When parting ways, we say, “Have a blessed day.” To be blessed is something we all desire, but blessings don’t always come easy.
Often times, blessings are cultivated through hard work, sacrifice, and unlimited gratitude. Imagine, then, what that means for a blessed marriage. We all want one. The benefits of amazing marriages, successful marriages, thriving marriages, and so on is just a Google search and a click away. There are studies aplenty on the positive psychological impact a great marriage can offer. So, it’s important to recognize that regardless of the synonym, each spouse must be willing to do what it takes to breed a marriage in which they feel blessed. As such, we’ve got a few ideas, and scriptures, on how you can make sure your marriage is a blessing to you and the one you love.
Show Appreciation
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18. Whether it’s at work or at home, everyone likes to hear “well done,” or “thank you.” No matter what form appreciation comes in, it endears us to the giver. Marriage is no different. Unlimited gratitude offered up in good times and bad only serves to strengthen your bond of love. Take the time, on a daily basis, to show appreciation to your spouse. It will serve as a great reminder that things aren’t as hard as they seem and you are truly blessed.
If you truly desire for your marriage to be blessed, then making the effort to be spiritually strong is something that simply can’t be ignored.
Extend Lots of Mercy
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36. Everybody makes mistakes. In a blessed and working marriage, mistakes are an opportunity to practice mercy. Mercy builds the character of a marriage. It allows each spouse to step back and look at things from the other’s perspective. The mercy giver’s heart can become fully engaged in their partner’s, drawing them closer together, in the process.
Commit to Being a Peacemaker
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9. Arguments are absolutely no fun. A house full of tension and stress is not a home anyone wants to come home to. In a blessed marriage, both the husband and wife have to make a decision to be a peacemaker regardless of who’s right and who’s wrong. Finding a peaceful way to settle an argument means that the health of the marriage is more important than your point. So before things boil over, commit to reaching a peaceful solution no matter what the cost.
Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Health
The physical and emotional health of a marriage starts with the physical and emotional health of each spouse. If one partner is burning the candle at both ends and not taking the time to rejuvenate, it opens the door for hurt feelings and misunderstandings. He might want to get busy, but she is too tired. Or, she might want to go out to dinner and he just wants to stay at home. Working out and eating right provides both short and long term benefits. In the short term, you have the energy needed to make a blessed marriage work. In the long term, you have the health needed to make a blessed marriage last.
Take Care of Your Spiritual Health
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things…” 1 Timothy 4:8. This one should be a no-brainer but unfortunately is often neglected. If you want your marriage to be blessed, then it’s important to take it to God both individually and together. When your spirit is aligned with God’s, it makes it that much easier to fulfill all of the above. A spiritual perspective helps bring everything into focus. We’ve all heard the saying, “the prayers go up so the blessings can come down.” Those are not just empty words. If you truly desire for your marriage to be blessed, then making the effort to be spiritually strong is something that simply can’t be ignored.
We all want to have blessed marriages. But blessed marriages are nurtured, allowing them to become strong and healthy. The only way to achieve what you desire is to put in the time and effort to foster your relationship with your spouse. Then enjoy the blessings and pass it on.
BMWK, what steps do you need to take to have a blessed marriage?