Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act becomingly, it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

 

Most people who eat at a restaurant start critiquing everything, from the cleanliness of the establishment, quality of customer service, and the tastiness of the food. One bad thing that happens and the awareness of other negative things become a bigger issue. Pretty soon you walk out thinking I’ll never come back here again.

 

Unfortunately, husbands and wives engage in this same behavior once settled in their marriage. Common phrases are: he snores or doesn’t take out the trash, she leaves her shoes in the middle of the room or she is always late getting ready which makes us late….the list is endless. If you think about it, you’ve probably had some things run through your mind about your spouse. All of these are most likely true and irritate you to the point of asking why I married this person. Let’s look at why your married them.  

 

YOU MARRIED THEM TO LOVE THEM, NOT CRITIQUE THEM!

 

The sole purpose of marrying someone is to love them, not to critique everything they do wrong in your eyes. Yes, a spouse is good to help point out areas of your life that probably need some sprucing up, but the constant critiquing will erode at the fabric holding your marriage together. Today’s verses above speak truth of Godly love that every married couple should treasure each day in their marriage. Start today by finding the good points about your spouse and focus on those, not the negative. It might take some getting used to, but it will enrich your marriage and help you love them like God intended.  “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:14