New Year Resolution #1
I will stop saying negative words to my spouse vs. I will speak blessings upon my spouse.
The Scriptures and the Holy Spirit empower couples to be expressions of goodness and godliness in their relationships. Typically, struggling couples will think that stopping negative behaviors or habits are pathways to peace and harmony between them. However, the better way of forming healthier relationships is sowing goodness and positivity toward each other. Healthy relationships are formed by a presence of goodness and positivity rather than an absences of negativity. Many couples are careful not to say negative or hurtful things but they do little to sow goodness or positivity toward each other. Spouses that strive to be instruments of blessing will have fewer struggles with negative behaviors.
· Romans 12:14,15 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
One of the highest priorities for Christians is speaking blessings upon their enemies. As Christians, couples should be very motivated to speak blessings upon his or her husband and wife.
· Psalms 19: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. God loves your spouse and speaking words of blessings over him or her will please Father, God.
Write out three things that you will speak to your spouse such as you are kind, faithful, and work very hard for our family. Remember that good overcomes evil.
1. ________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________
New Year Resolution #2
I will stop complaining vs. I will show gratitude
The characteristic of thankfulness is usually expressed when someone receives an immediate benefit such as, your spouse buys your favorite pastry and hands it to you. Appropriately, you say, “thank you,” because there was an immediate benefit from the blessing that your spouse extended to you. The pastry tastes good and it was a pleasant surprise to you.
A spirit of gratitude is formed by recognizing everyday or familiar things as gifts or blessings from God such as, every time you get into your car and it starts or you arrive home safely from the store or work. All of these things are blessings from God.
Colossians 3:14 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Jonah 4:6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant.
Make a commitment to become more aware of the everyday things that your spouse does to make your life better and express gratitude for them.