Pop Quiz Time
What is the best thing that you can do for your children?
A. Feed them vegetables
B. Enroll them in extracurricular activities
C. Take them to church
D. Love your spouse
The correct answer is D. Did you pick the right answer? The world would have you believe that your whole life should revolve around your children, that they should come first no matter what. The Bible tells us in Genesis 2:24, “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.” I think it is hard to become one flesh if you are putting your children before your spouse. Of course loving God is your first priority, but loving your spouse should be a close second.
There are so many benefits for your children when you love your spouse and love them openly. Showing love to your spouse brings security to your children. When you love your spouse in front of your children, instead of arguing in front of them, it keeps the stress levels and anxieties down in your home. Openly showing love to your spouse teaches your children how to be the spouse they need to be in the future. Loving and spending time with your spouse prepares you for the future. Speaking from experience, an empty nest will be here before you know it. Who wants to spend those years with someone you don’t know well or enjoy spending time with? I will have an empty nest soon and am looking forward to the adventures ahead with my husband; he’s my favorite.
I know it is not always easy. Kids and their schedules can be demanding. Everyday life, chores, work and obligations can make it difficult, but loving your spouse should be a priority. 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Show love to your spouse on the hard days, show love to your spouse when you are busy and show love to your spouse even when you don’t feel like it. Remember to still date your spouse and show your children how important time together is. Support your spouse through the hard times and grow together as you navigate through life. Pray for your spouse. The power of prayer can transform any marriage. The payoff is worth it!
Resources
Follow this link for a complete step-by-step time of Bible study with your preschooler: