Nurture
Best Friends
Husband and Wife
Any good relationship starts out as friendship. Especially the relationship with your spouse. Enjoying one’s company is a gift, not only from the person you’re with but from God as well. Building and growing that friendship is key to a healthy marriage between husband and wife. Sadly, how many marriages have failed because the friendship was not nurtured and grown between a husband and wife.
“And This is My Friend”
Currently, I am reading through the Song of Solomon. This book speaks of the romance, courtship, and love God wants you to show your spouse, but I came across a passage I missed before in chapter 5:16 “His mouth is most sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved, And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!” Solomons’ wife was not only describing the love she had for her husband but she was also talking about the bond of friendship she had with him as well.
Honor God
Jesus is my friend. Spending time with God, reading His word, seeking Him first is an act of friendship toward my Lord and Savior. It shows my dedication to Jesus and builds my faith in Him. I talk with my Friend every morning and on those rare times I don’t, I feel I have missed something important. I think He misses my company as well, Jesus expects me to be there.
Your spouse is not only the person you lean on when you need a friend but you must be there for your spouse as well. Friendship and love are to be given away just as Jesus gave of Himself to you, even if you receive nothing in return. Jesus gave His life so you would not die a spiritual death. If that is not friendship I don’t know what is. Marriage is not only a gift from God it is also a choice; a commitment to love one another until “death do us part” this act honors God.
Strengthen the Bond
It is always best to share the good and happy times with a friend. I am thankful to Jesus for my wife, my best friend, for all the wonderful and nice things we have shared through the years, she has given me and our children much joy and laughter. Life, however, is like an ocean wave, it has its ups and downs, we have also had moments of hurt, fear, and tears. This friendship also gives a solid wall for your spouse to lean on when it’s needed. Remember, there will be a time when you need a wall yourself, it should be with your spouse, someone you love and trust; your best friend. Joy and adversity will always temper and strengthen the bond between friends. Let it strengthen the bond in your marriage as well.
Worth the Effort
Jesus is my very best friend, always. He gave His life so I might live (John 15:12-15) My wife is my best friend on this Earth. I am convinced Jesus put her in my life so I may be complete. I am a better man because of her. Relationships actually take work. Some of you are saying, Huh?!-What?! Work?! Yes, love is like manna from heaven. God gave the Jewish people manna to eat while they were in the wilderness, however, they had to go out and harvest it every day. God gave you a spouse to share a complete life, however, you must work to grow your relationship in the friendship Jesus intended it to be.
Grow Your Friendship
Grow your friendship with your spouse. Find out what he or she needs and do your best to provide. Grow your friendship with Jesus, spend time with Him every day. Read His word and see what He has to say about that day. He wants a better friendship with you, just turn the page.