1 Corinthians 13
New International Version (NIV)
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her....
Colossians 3:18-19
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her....
Colossians 3:18-19
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
New International Version (NIV)
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
There are so many things I want to say to Donny and Katie. But!! I don't want to butt in!!! I don't want to be one of "THOSE" moms/mother-in-laws. So, I'm going to say it here.First, there is supposed to be an order in marriage. Always, always, always, put God first. You can't lose if you put Him first. Then, your spouse comes next. What does the Bible say? Genesis 2:24 "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." When children come along, they are next in the order. Finally, extended family, friends, etc.
I would also want to tell them: never stop laughing together, playing together, talking to each other. Find a project to do with each other. Give each other space when needed. Worship together - not just at church, but also at home. With God first and center in the marriage, it's amazing how strong that marriage will be!
Have a weekly date. Seriously. You don't have to do something expensive! Even if you two end up rolling in the dough, you can still go on cheap (and fun) dates! Go fishing together, hiking, have a picnic in the park, go for a long drive....or just snuggle up in front of the tv with a good movie. Even after the babies come along, MAKE TIME TO HAVE THAT WEEKLY DATE!!
Babies. Wonderful gifts God blesses us with. Wait. Wait a couple years. You two need time to get used to each other, bind together, etc. As wonderful as babies are, they take a lot of time and attention. So wait.
Keep the lines of communication open. There will be disagreements. Perhaps fights. Cool down. Speak reasonably to each other. No hitting below the belt. No name calling. If things are a bit rough, and talking to each other about the problem isn't helping, go to God first. Together and separately. If you still need help, go to your pastor. The next step would be to a Christian counselor. But!! Don't EVER give up on each other.
Each of you have strengths and weaknesses. Not only are you two different because one is a man and the other is a woman, but you have been raised differently. Different lifestyles. Accept each other and encourage each other. Keep this in mind: NOBODY IS PERFECT!!!! So, no nagging. No berating. No belittling. No demanding. No negativity. ALWAYS look for the good in each other. Always. Be thankful for each other. Even when he/she is getting on your last nerve: think about something he/she does that makes you smile, makes your heart melt, etc. You get the idea. Stay POSITIVE.
Remember, all marriages go through storms. With God, you'll have a safe passage. He brought you two together. Allow Him to guide you through the new adventure you are about to embark on.
Oh! And before I forget.... Never, ever, EVER leave without giving the other a hug and a kiss good-bye and telling him/her "I love you".
I AM SO BLESSED!!
KEEP SMILING!! :)
