The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 9

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Day 9 – To Protect Your Reputation

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Today’s Scripture

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)

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Today’s Marriage Vow – To Protect Your Reputation

Some days I’m frustrated with my husband, but even so, I have a choice. I can either run and tell others about Michael’s bad habits, or I can protect his reputation by keeping the details of his life where they belong—between Michael and I. And so, I need to pray for wisdom in this area, to ensure that I’m both respecting and protecting his reputation. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, whether this conversation will weaken or benefit your marriage.

Seeking the counsel of a friend from a place of compassion with a desire to heal is different than sitting around the table gossiping about our husband’s faults with other wives, or slandering our husbands because of the pain we’ve endured.

This is important to remember when it comes to the big trials we face, but it’s also important to practice the same level of compassion when it comes to the trivial things that get under our skin.

The thing about confiding in your friends is that they’re only getting one side of the story. And what are they giving you back? Advice that could possibly damage your marriage, if they’re not a wise and trusted source. So, be careful when you’re treading on these waters, as an underlying current could quickly pull you down.

Take everything to prayer. Wisely discern what you hear and what you say, to ensure it’s in line with God’s will and for the benefit of your marriage.

Excerpt from The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 9 (affiliate link)

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Today’s Challenge

Whether you’re talking to your friends, your family, or your children, protect your husband’s reputation by being careful with the words that you choose.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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