Husbands and wives can say a lot of things that they don't mean, or sometimes never even say anything at all and that can be just as bad. Words are powerful and can either build or demolish, and the same holds true in a marriage.
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." The life that flows from your relationship with your husband or wife, or the lack of it, is strongly affected by the words you speak to one another.
Here are seven things that one should tell his or her spouse as often as possible.
"I love you." As obvious as it is that this phrase be exchanged, very often sometimes it's neglected, especially in relationships that have been going on for quite a while. Couples should never think that it's a given that both parties understand that they love each other but rather should express that love in the same way Christ endlessly displays His love for the church.
"You're the only one." How many relationships everywhere are ruined by jealousy? And as easy as it is to dismiss that "Love is not jealous," couples must work together in fighting off the spirit of jealousy by constantly reassuring each other of undivided devotion and loyalty.
"I'm proud of you." Spouses are each others cheerleaders. When a spouse gets a promotion or achieves a win for the family, partners should be there to cheer them on and remind them of how talented and gifted the other is. Not out of compulsion, but of a pure admiration for what God is doing through your spouse.
"God is in charge." When things get tough, and they will, it's helpful for husbands and wives to remind each other of the unbreakable third cord that creates the strand that is their marriage. Pastors and ministers should not be our primary source of faith-building. Your spouses faith must be edified by you.
"How can I serve you today?" Galatians 6:10 says, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." A marriage is not built through knowing who's in charge of what but rather by knowing how one can serve the other.
There are many other ways to express love and devotion to one another. What's important is we do so with a heart inspired by what Christ has done for us, and a desire to turn words into actions.
