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Wanting To Know The Secret

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

The secret to closeness in marriage isn’t necessarily sparkling conversation or shared interests or even incredible sex. As good as those are, the secret of intimacy is – plain, old-fashioned kindness! You know, the stuff learned in kindergarten, like thoughtfulness, courtesy, and caring. Think your relationship needs a tune-up? Then listen: (1) Never underestimate the power of touch. Seems like an obvious statement! Right? You’d be surprised; we can go days or weeks without touching each other, yet a hug works wonders. God designed us so that when we touch one another in caring ways, our bodies produce oxytocin, which calms us and helps us to bond physically and chemically. Pretty clever, eh? (2) Forget the grandiose gestures. When you routinely build little kindnesses into your marriage they become a source of strength for later, like money in the bank. So think ‘personal’ and ‘sweet’, like helping to clean up, making the coffee, walking the dog, or taking out the rubbish! (3) Remember your manners. Just because you’re married it doesn’t mean common courtesy should go by the wayside. Paul says, "Be kind to each other." That means listening without interrupting, and practicing the basics like saying, ‘please’, ‘thank you’, and ‘I’m sorry’. This stuff’s not rocket science - but it really works! (4) Compliments are the key. Remember, whenever you think something nice about your mate - say so! We live in a cold, competitive world and hearing we’re loved, smart, and attractive and fun, from someone whose opinion we really value, means everything.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be kind and compassionate to those closest to me and to others. Help me reflect you!! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen