There are many Scriptures in the Bible that don’t mention marriage and yet they are necessary for us to enjoy a wonderful marriage relationship.
One of them is Ephesians 4:32: “Be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” This Scripture is for all people in all circumstances, but I believe in particularly applies to marriage.
There are some wives who are kind to their children and to other people, and yet unkind to their husband. Oh yes, he could have said something very belittling to you and hurt you deeply. How do you be kind when he is unkind to you? Only by the grace of God and the love of Christ that is shed abroad in your heart by the power of the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5). And doing kind things for your husband will have its reward. God’s word is true that we reap what we sow. When we sow kindness, we will eventually reap kindness.
Oh yes, I must mention. My current Bible is a secondhand one which I purchased from the Internet. I was challenged when I read the notes beside this Scripture from the previous owner: "Not an emotion. Not a one-time action. But a mindset." How true.
And what about kind words? Our words have more power than anything else to break down or build up our marriage. Make a point of speaking something kind and loving to your husband every day. I love the words of Proverbs 12:25 (TLB): “A word of encouragement does WONDERS.”
However, we are not only commanded to be kind, but to be tenderhearted. What a beautiful word. You can be tenderhearted to your children. Can you be tenderhearted to your husband? He also needs tender loving care. And oh, tender loving words are so powerful. Read these words again in Proverbs 25:16: “A soft tongue breaketh the bone.” Wow, your soft, sweet, and tender words can break down his hard and stubborn heart! You don’t believe it? Well, can I encourage you to try it, not for one day, but day by day and week by week. You will begin to see miracles.
And what’s the next thing. God commands us to forgive. It’s not an option. It is a command. No matter what, we must forgive. Forgiveness not only sets the offender free, but it sets you free. A person will stay bound in the pit of bitterness if they don’t forgive. Why do we forgive? Because God has forgiven us.
A kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving attitude is the foundation of a beautiful marriage.
Love from Nancy Campbell