We are in a generation where couples must be deliberate in nurturing their love and romance. Work schedules, lifestyles, and personal choices are gradually eroding the bonding that should exist between a husband and a wife at all times.
If bonding is not worked at, things will gradually degenerate! May that never be our portion!
It is the same thing for singles in courtship. Bonding especially on an intellectual level must be achieved. Communication should be top-notch as this is the bedrock of any successful marriage. The only bonding that should not happen before a wedding is sexual bonding! I believe singles already know this!
One of the ways to bond together is by playing together!
Playing together as a couple is a natural way to eliminate the unnecessary stress that comes with raising a family! Don’t take playfulness out of your marriage!
This is one thing I still do till tomorrow. I play a lot with my wife! It’s a good way to bond!
Another thing that being playful together as a couple does is that it creates shared memories which leads to deeper emotional connection!
Conversely, quarreling all the time and engaging in unending bickering will tear you apart emotionally till you are irritated at each other. It even gets more intense and hatred comes in.
How do you move from loving someone so much to hating that person so much?
Carelessness in not nurturing your marriage can result in this!
If playfulness is absent in your marriage, then start by scheduling it. An example is a playful dance session. Another one is a gentle pillow fight!
Let me warn you ahead of time that one spouse will not usually like this idea as one is always serious while the other is playful. But you must keep at it.
Genuinely invest in joy in your home. Play together. And enjoy yourself, and of course, this will lead to a better intimacy between the two of you!
In Proverbs 20:6 (KJV), the question echoes through time, resonating with those navigating the complex landscape of relationships: “Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”
The Illusion of Proclamation.
Most men will ‘toast’ you and promise you heaven and earth, but a faithful man who can find? This proclamation of virtue often masks the true essence of fidelity. As we explore this timeless challenge, it’s essential to dissect the layers beneath these surface affirmations.
Decoding ‘Faithful’: Trusty or Trustworthiness. The term ‘faithful’ finds its roots in the Greek word ’emun,’ denoting trustworthiness. Essentially, the question emerges: amidst good toasters, who can be trusted?
The Dilemma Explored.
David, in Psalm 12:1 (KJV), adds another layer to the complexity: “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”
A Quest for Good Husbands
Are there good husbands in this age? Will one ever find a man that will love God and love his wife as well? The quest for a partner embodying both godliness and spousal devotion raises its head.
Navigating Temptations.
Are there still men who will not compromise and cheat on their wives? The perennial challenge of fidelity in the face of tempting situations emerges. Can one find a man who remains faithful despite the availability of temptations?
Elijah’s Revelation.
Well, there are still faithful men! Elijah’s encounter with God reveals that amidst perceived scarcity, a multitude remains steadfast, refusing to bow to societal pressures. Trust God to lead you and don’t trust your brain and calculations alone!
Shifting Perspectives.
The danger lies in concluding that “all men are evil.” Such a mindset perpetuates a cycle, attracting the very negativity one fears.
Trusting in Divine Guidance.
There are still faithful men, and there is a man that God has for you! Trusting in divine guidance becomes pivotal. When decisions align with God’s plan, the journey to finding a faithful companion becomes clearer.
The Pitfall of Self-Will.
But if you decide to do it your own way, try to buy your way into a man’s heart by offering your body, it usually wouldn’t work out because that is not God’s order. May God grant you more wisdom.
In the quest for love and companionship, navigating the complex terrain of relationships demands both wisdom and discernment. As you embark on this journey, it’s crucial to remember that some questions don’t require divine intervention, and certain situations can be approached with the clarity that comes from understanding God’s principles.
Embracing God’s Order in Relationships
God designed us with intellect, entrusting us with the capacity to think for ourselves. In addition to endowing us with cognitive abilities, He provided guidance through His Word. His principles, clearly outlined in scripture, serve as a road map for our lives, particularly when it comes to relationships and marriage.
Seeking God’s Direction
In the pursuit of a life partner, seeking God’s direction is a common practice. However, there are aspects where God’s guidance is unnecessary because He has already provided answers in His Word. As a single individual preparing for marriage, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone is a suitable match. Some individuals are best avoided, and falling in love with them goes against the wisdom found in God’s teachings.
Avoiding Pitfalls
The Scriptures explicitly caution against falling in love with certain individuals. This isn’t merely a suggestion but a clear directive to protect us from heartache and undesirable consequences.
Identifying the Wrong Person
One key aspect emphasized is avoiding a romantic connection with a God-hater. The message is simple: do not enter into a relationship with someone who rejects God. This principle is reiterated in 2 Corinthians 6:14, emphasizing the incongruity of a partnership between light and darkness.
Deceptive Appearances
It’s crucial to recognize that a God-hater may appear pleasant and even possess material wealth. However, the Scriptures warn that such prosperity can lead to their downfall. Proverbs 1:32 underscores the peril of turning away from simplicity and the destructive nature of fool’s prosperity.
Prioritizing Spiritual Compatibility
Before succumbing to emotions and hormones, it’s imperative to consider the spiritual aspect of a potential partner. The scriptures affirm that genuine love stems from a knowledge of God, and anything professing to be love without this foundation is often mere lust.
Breaking Free from Unhealthy Attachments
For those who may find themselves entangled with someone who doesn’t share their faith, the advice is clear: get out of that love. Proverbs 6:5 urges individuals to deliver themselves from the hands of those who may lead them astray.
Already Married?
If you find yourself already married and sensing that you may have missed the mark in certain aspects, it’s crucial to approach the situation with wisdom and deliberation. In times of uncertainty, seeking counsel becomes a valuable resource, providing clarity and guidance to navigate the complexities of marriage.
Assessing Changes in Marriage
Marriage is a journey marked by growth, change, and challenges. The presence of changes does not necessarily indicate that a mistake has been made. It’s important to resist the temptation to make hasty decisions based on common challenges inherent to all marriages.
The Importance of Counsel
In moments of doubt or when facing marital difficulties, seeking counsel is a prudent course of action. Counsel offers an external perspective, often bringing insights that may not be apparent in the midst of challenges. Taking the time to consult with a trusted advisor can illuminate the path forward.
Avoiding Rash Decisions
Rash decisions made in the heat of challenges can have lasting consequences. Seeking counsel provides a buffer against impulsive actions that may not align with long-term goals for the marriage. A knowledgeable advisor can help you navigate challenges with a level-headed approach.
Understanding Common Marital Challenges
Marriage is a shared journey, and challenges are a natural part of the process. It’s essential to recognize that many couples face similar issues, and seeking counsel doesn’t imply failure but rather a commitment to growth and improvement.
Remember, the journey of marriage is dynamic, and seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness but a proactive measure to ensure a thriving and resilient relationship.
Son 2:3-7 (MSG) As an apricot tree stands out in the forest, my lover stands above the young men in town. All I want is to sit in his shade, to taste and savor his delicious love.
Well, born again or not, there is a strong desire that comes with falling in love.
If you like, speak in tongues till tomorrow, this desire will not go.
But what can be subdued is lust that often wants to tag along, like Lot tagged along with Abraham.
Yes, the desire will not go, because there is nothing wrong with the desire, it is the fulfillment of the desire at the wrong time that gets us into trouble.
So, all you want when you fall in love is to sit down in each other’s shade, with feelings of wanting to taste and savor the delicious love.
The Strong Desire That Comes With Love
I felt like that. She felt like that. But we waited. You can wait as well.
No matter how intense the desire is, do not taste that love before the wedding.
Tasting love and consummating your love before the wedding is like stealing a lump of hot meat from the pot of stew before it is ready.
Your taste bud gets burnt and you can lose your sense of taste, which ultimately leads to tasting more pot of stew that doesn’t belong to you!
If you have already started doing this as singles, then there is a clarion call this morning to stop and now get yourself onto unnecessary problems that are never part of your destiny!
The Strong Desire That Comes With Love
For married couples, you are licensed to sit in his shade, to keep tasting, relishing, and delighting in each other’s love! What is forbidden here is looking outside for pleasure. You are now married, you can admire others but shouldn’t desire them.
You now need to focus on the one you have married and pleasure one another. To look outside is not only greed and covetousness but also lust, which your maker frowns at! Dear husband, dear wife, FOCUS!
In this devotional, we will explore the secrets to finding and maintaining a lasting love, for both singles and married individuals.
Love is a universal desire, but where and how do you find it, and once you have it, how do you keep it alive? Let’s delve into the keys to a successful and enduring relationship.
1. Finding Your Ideal Partner
Proverbs 19:14 (AMP) tells us that, “House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord.”
In essence, a truly wise and prudent partner is a divine gift.
Seeking Divine Guidance
Your journey to finding a life partner begins with building a meaningful relationship with God. To secure a prudent spouse, you must first establish a strong connection with the Divine.
It is only logical that if you desire a wise and understanding partner, you must seek this through your relationship with God.
Choosing Wisely
The Bible suggests that there are both prudent and foolish individuals. The choice you make will have a profound impact on your life.
To ensure you make the right choice, trust in God to guide your path. Remember, your choice of a life partner can either elevate or undermine your happiness.
Married but Unhappy?
If you’re already married and are facing difficulties in your relationship, don’t rush to judgment.
Sometimes, we may perceive our partners differently from their true selves. If you believe your spouse lacks prudence, consider revisiting your connection with God.
Seek His guidance and wisdom to navigate your marriage’s challenges and also seek therapy when necessary
2. Building a Harmonious Home
Proverbs 21:19 (KJV) advises, “It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman.”
This verse underscores the vital role a wife plays in creating a peaceful atmosphere at home.
Creating a Home, Not Just a House
A woman possesses the unique capacity to transform a house into a loving and serene home. It is within her power to set the tone for the entire household, making it a welcoming and pleasant place.
Avoiding Destructive Behavior
When a wife displays contentious, nagging, or angry behaviors, she risks driving her husband away.
Such actions can lead to a strained and unfulfilling relationship, pushing the man to avoid spending time at home.
It is crucial for both partners to create a loving and supportive environment.
The Importance of Understanding
Men often deal with internal struggles and decision-making processes differently from women.
They might choose to remain silent when faced with dilemmas. Instead of pressuring them to speak up, grant them the space and time needed to find a resolution on their own.
Respect his silence as he contemplates his choices.
For singles, addressing anger is crucial. Frequent displays of anger can discourage potential partners.
Men are generally logical and will consider how anger issues may affect their future together. It’s essential to work on anger management and self-improvement.
Seek Wisdom
The book of Ecclesiastes 7:9 (MSG) advises, “Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.”
Anger has the potential to destroy relationships. Remember that anger can hinder the growth of a God-ordained love affair.
In conclusion, the key to finding and keeping the love of your life lies in building a strong relationship with God and fostering a harmonious home environment.
By seeking divine guidance and practicing understanding, you can ensure a long-lasting and joyful partnership.
Addressing anger issues and working on self-improvement are essential for singles looking to embark on a successful relationship journey.
