The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 11

Looking for the table of contents? Click here

---

Day 11 – To Listen in the Best Way I know How

---

Today’s Scripture

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19, NIV)

---

Today’s Marriage Vow – To Listen in the Best Way I Know How

Listening is more than lending an ear, it’s taking the time to consider the words of another.

It’s the difference between greeting someone at your front door and inviting them into your home. When we entertain a person, we welcome them in, we show them respect, and we pay attention to them.

And, so it is with ideas and words. When we truly listen to someone, we welcome their words, respect what they say, and pay attention to them.

The quicker we listen, the less likely we are to be angry, and the more likely we are to make peace. Anger will never get us as far as patience and understanding will, and so we must practice showing our love, holding our tongues, and wisely choosing our words…

Listening gives you an opportunity to connect with your spouse in ways you might otherwise miss, but it has to start with a caring heart. Thoughtful enough to put distractions aside. Considerate enough to lean in and listen. Selfless enough to try and see things his way.

Excerpt from The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 11 (affiliate link)

---

Today’s Challenge

Practice listening from a place of compassion and grace. Let go of distractions, and try to see things his way.

---

Appreciate the Little Things

At the close of each day, jot down some appreciation, gratitude, or admiration. For example, you might want to record something that you appreciate about your husband: maybe there’s something you’re grateful for, or perhaps he went out of his way to do something special. Doing this exercise at the end of each day will help you to gain a deeper appreciation of the blessings at hand.

---

Let’s Not Forget Prayer

The best plan of attack starts with a morning prayer. God helps us formulate a plan, and He helps us to achieve it.

David once wrote, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalm 5:3, KJV)

David knew what it took to slay a giant. He knew that his wisdom and strength rested on the power of God, and he drew on it daily.

And so I want to remind you to bring your marriage to prayer. Bring your husband to prayer. Bring your home to prayer. And, if you have children bring them to prayer. Lay them down at the feet of our Savior each and every morning asking God to bless and protect them. You won’t find better protection for your marriage, than that which only God can provide!

---

The Ultimate Marriage Vow, available at Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Surrender Your Marriage to God…

Too many couples give up. They part ways before they experience the joy of growing together God’s way.

I’ve been there. I’ve smelled the stench of death in my own marriage. We’ve been to rock bottom where all hope was seemingly lost. But that wasn’t the end—something incredible happened when we surrendered our marriage to God. Winter turned to Spring, Spring turned into Summer, and here we are decades later thanking God for His life-saving grace.

And so, I’m asking, will you give me 21 days? That’s all I’m asking you for—3 weeks, 10 minutes a day, and a gentle heart that’s willing to yield. Give me 21 days to show you what God can do for your marriage. 21 days to remind you that marriage is a gift worth fighting for. 21 days to love on and pray for your husband. 21 days to a life filled with love, joy, and peace. 21 days to a life-long commitment.

---

About the Author