To Love and To Honor

By Carin LeRoy –

Years ago, a group of men at work complained about their wives during lunch break. Each man took turns and shared criticisms about his spouse. As my dad listened to them grumble and find fault, he finally stood and said, “My wife satisfies me.” Then he walked out. He was fed up listening to their gripes. I’m sure he made an impression as he interrupted their complaint session and abandoned the conversation. Although my mom and dad had a great marriage, they still had their disagreements. Instead of chipping in his criticism, he chose to respect my mother in front of others.

I’ve listened to others tell things on their spouse that were better left unsaid. Negative talk about our spouse in front of others does not show value or respect and can influence how others view him or her. Christ tells us to guard our tongue. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Let’s make a conscious effort to respect and honor our spouse. Don’t complain, criticize or devalue them before others. We did vow to love and honor them on our wedding day, so let’s keep that promise.

PRAYER: Lord, keep me mindful that criticizing my spouse before others is not helpful or wise. Help me to guard my words and show honor and respect in my marriage. May the words I speak give value, not harm, to my spouse.

BIBLE VERSE: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone,” (Colossians 4: 6 NIV).