Dear ,
This is one of those good news/bad news kind of weekly tips.Here's the bad news: Researchers have discovered that negative communication patterns in marriage is the best predictor of divorce. Not lack of commitment.Not emotional or physical infidelity.Not even financial challenges.But negative communication patterns.
(Let that sink in for
a minute.) Isn't this kind of odd when the most often quoted scripture at Christian weddings is 1 Corinthians 13 - the Love chapter?Listen to these words from verses 4-8:"Love is patient,
love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It
does not dishonor 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. Love never fails."Wow. That's the kind of marriage Gayle & I want - and it's the kind we want for
you, too.Here's the good news: God's love and grace can heal your marriage.Be encouraged and have hope because God's love never fails. Although as imperfect people our love will never be
perfect, it can be all of
those things and more that we just read about in the above verses through God's power and presence in our relationship because His love heals and restores.His love never fails.
And if our love and His love are united - then how can our
love fail?
Today, we can choose to be forgiving.
We can choose to be kinder to our spouse. We can choose to let go of the record of wrongs we've been holding against them. We can choose to be patient, loving and affectionate.We can choose to be warm, caring and thoughtful.The quality and destiny of your marriage is up to you, .I'm sending this weekly tip to you on Valentine's Day here in the United States.
What better day to renew our commitment to our spouses than today.Until next week, this is Mike & Gayle Tucker and we want you to be mad
about marriage!
PS - We published an infographic on the blog today on Religion, Divorce and
Marriage that might interest you. Click here to read it: http://www.madaboutmarriage.com/blog/?p=3846
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