Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The three best sayings to help your marriage...
Marsha and I were working with a couple the other night and we got to talking about the best things you can say to help your marriage. After reflection, I think there are three phrases that are critical to the health of any marriage.
I love you. I don't care if you have been married three days or 70 years, this is the most important thing to tell your mate. Tell them when you wake up and when you go to bed. End phone calls with it. Put in texts. Say it because you mean it. Say it because it is true. Say it even you don't feel like it because you really do still mean it and because it really is true. Remember that love is not just a feeling. It is a choice.
I'm sorry. Both of you will have to say this many times. Sometimes over small things. Sometimes over huge things. It may be over a misunderstanding. Or a thoughtless action. Or sin. Say it because you mean it. Say it because it is true. Love does mean having to say you are sorry.
You're forgiven. Always the right response to the above statement. It is even OK to say before the other one asks. Say it because you mean it. Say it because it is true. Say it because that may be the first step to healing.
In every one of these statements, back them up with actions. Say all of them by your life and not just your lips. But say them out loud to your mate. It makes a difference. It is even OK for your kids to hear all three of these. In fact, these are good statements for parents to use with their kids.
I love you. I'm sorry. You're forgiven. These three sayings have made all the difference to the Ridgells. They can to you and yours also.
And by the way Honey, when you read this: I love you, I'm sorry, and you're forgiven. Always.
I love you. I don't care if you have been married three days or 70 years, this is the most important thing to tell your mate. Tell them when you wake up and when you go to bed. End phone calls with it. Put in texts. Say it because you mean it. Say it because it is true. Say it even you don't feel like it because you really do still mean it and because it really is true. Remember that love is not just a feeling. It is a choice.
I'm sorry. Both of you will have to say this many times. Sometimes over small things. Sometimes over huge things. It may be over a misunderstanding. Or a thoughtless action. Or sin. Say it because you mean it. Say it because it is true. Love does mean having to say you are sorry.
You're forgiven. Always the right response to the above statement. It is even OK to say before the other one asks. Say it because you mean it. Say it because it is true. Say it because that may be the first step to healing.
In every one of these statements, back them up with actions. Say all of them by your life and not just your lips. But say them out loud to your mate. It makes a difference. It is even OK for your kids to hear all three of these. In fact, these are good statements for parents to use with their kids.
I love you. I'm sorry. You're forgiven. These three sayings have made all the difference to the Ridgells. They can to you and yours also.
And by the way Honey, when you read this: I love you, I'm sorry, and you're forgiven. Always.
