Showing Grace to One Another

“Intention means every decision, from the most obviously significant to the seemingly mundane, matters.  To do something with intentionality means to do it thoughtfully, with clear purpose and an eye on the desired result.”
Will Guidara, Unreasonable Hospitality

Every daily decision that we make in our marriage matters.  The little acts of kindness and grace add up to a huge reservoir of trust.  When we intentionally thank God everyday for our spouse, we will remember the love that we have for them. When we think positively about one another we are building a place of safety in our marriage, a place of warmth and acceptance. Early on in our marriage, I expected Don to meet all of my emotional, physical, and mental needs.  I expected him to be able to read my mind, to always love me unselfishly, to never wound me, to be the perfect husband.  Guess what I discovered?  He couldn’t do it.  You know why? He’s a flawed human being…just like me. God reminded me that He alone is my source and He will meet my needs.  Acknowledging this truth helped me to show grace to Don when he messed up. And he did the same for me!  That took a lot of pressure off of our relationship. We didn’t expect perfection from one another.   We encourage you in your own marriage to intentionally show God’s grace and love to one another everyday. You are building something beautiful!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14