COMMITMENT IN MARRIAGE: THE LITTLE FOXES
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!" Song of Solomon 2:15 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Some marriages with no major problems get into trouble because of an accumulation of little things. The Bible says that it is the little foxes that ruin the vineyard.
Make a commitment not to ignore the little foxes in your marriage: being thoughtless or preoccupied, forgetting special days like anniversaries and birthdays, criticizing, taking your spouse for granted. The little foxes might seem unimportant, but they can eventually knock a marriage and family relationship off its feet.
Consider this …
Go on a fox hunt!
Are you letting any foxes loose in your marriage? Are you spending time with your spouse or has "busyness" taken over? Do you really listen to her or him talk? Do you continue that little habit that irritates your spouse? With God's help, identify the little things before they become big things.
And then stay on the alert. Do an occasional fox hunt to be sure pesky little habits aren't creeping up on you. And replace the destructive little foxes with acts of love. Plan a surprise dinner for two. Buy a sentimental gift. Join your spouse in one of his or her favorite activities—even if it's not your thing. These little acts of thoughtfulness can help a marriage thrive.
Prayer
Father, help me become more aware of the "little foxes" that I bring to the marriage … and help me replace them with acts of love. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …Committed Couples: God's Plan for Marriage & the Family by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. Whether in a private or group setting, couples will be encouraged spiritually and romantically as they research biblical principles that affirm their vows. This book can help every married couple grow spiritually and emotionally in their relationship. It is also a great help for engaged-to-be-married couples.
©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org