Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
Today, I wish to share with you a devotional centred on a virtue that we sometimes overlook in our daily lives and in our marriages. This virtue is gratitude. It is easy to let life's daily hustle overshadow the blessings we receive each day, but when you pause and take a moment to look around, you'll find so much to be thankful for.
In Corinthians 13:4-7, Apostle Paul tells us that, "Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with
the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Now, ponder on these words and see how gratitude is echoed in every sentiment
expressed here.
A faithful marriage is a sacred union, a holy partnership
that requires mutual respect, understanding, and love. But, along with these
virtues, an attitude of gratitude is paramount. It is gratitude that helps us
appreciate the love and the commitment we share with our partners. It is
gratitude that fuels our patience, our kindness, our ability to trust, and our
capacity to forgive. It is gratitude that keeps the flame of love alive.
We often seek more; more love, more attention, more
affection from our partners. Yet, we forget to thank God for the bond we share,
for the peace in our homes, for the love that lives in our hearts. In 1
Thessalonians 5:18, it is written, "Give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." The Almighty wants us
to express our gratitude, to acknowledge His blessings, not just in our
prayers, but also in our actions and in our words.
Imagine the power of a simple 'thank you' shared between you
and your spouse. It can work miracles in your relationship. Thank your spouse
for their love, for their support, and for their patience. Thank them for
walking with you through the journey of life, for being your partner, your
friend, your confidante. Thank them for their faithfulness and for their
commitment to the sacred vows you both shared.
Brothers and sisters, a grateful heart is a blessed heart.
When you let gratitude fill your heart, you allow God's love to reside in your
marriage. Let every day be a day of thanksgiving in your marriage. Do not let a
day pass without expressing your gratitude to your spouse and to God.
Remember, we do not build a faithful marriage in a day. It
is a journey, a journey that requires us to love, to forgive, to trust, and to
thank each other every single day. Gratitude brings us closer to each other and
closer to God. Let it be the pillar that strengthens your marriage. Let it be
the glue that binds you and your spouse together in a blessed union.
Let us make a promise to ourselves and to our partners. A
promise to be grateful every day, a promise to cherish the love we share, a
promise to appreciate our faithful marriages and not take them for granted. Let
us let gratitude be our language of love! May God bless all our marriages and
fill our homes with His divine love and guidance. Amen.