Falling in Love and Staying in Love

It is easy to fall in love.  But, staying in love requires a great deal of work, just ask anyone who has been married for awhile.  My honeybunny and I have had to work to overcome problems we have faced.  I am sure that there will still be problems as we age together.    Here are three things in this recipe that help you work on your relationship with your spouse.  These three are Communication, Companionship and Commitment.

Recipe for Marriage


Companionship
Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife whom you love, all the days of your vain  life...


Companionship is the number one thing that both men and women desire in marriage.  Isn't that a shock?  Think about it, when everything else falls apart, friendship will last.  It is so important to be able to enjoy your life as you share it with your spouse.  Share things together, laugh together, do things together that you both enjoy.  This is the foundation on which love in marriage can be established.


Song of Solomon 5:16
...This is my Beloved, and this is my friend...


Your spouse should be your friend.  Your spouse should have the place of being your closest and most cherished companion, you do your part and let God be in control of your spouses' part.  Make time for your spouse.
CommunicationCommunication is  essential for staying in love.  Women communicate differently from men, so it is so important to learn how to talk with your spouse, in ways for work for each one of you.  We all have thoughts, feelings and needs, so expressing them to one another is again so important.  It is necessary to be able to communicate how you feel, in order to get to know each other, what you like and don't like, what your dreams are, your goals.  Talk over things with your spouse to see what is acceptable and what is not.  Great communication with your spouse helps you to stay in love with one another.


Commitment
Genesis 2:24  Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.


The Biblical commitment to your spouse is your highest priority, ahead of your father and mother or friends.  When pressures overwhelm you and companionship and communication may disintegrate, commitment to one another will carry you through.  My honeybunny and I have had disagreements, but the commitment we made to one another, and the determination to make it work have helped us forgive one another, communicate our feelings and resolve our differences.  Set your affection on your spouse, no other.  Keep your promises and oaths you made on your wedding day.  Be faithful in your covenant of love.  


Ephesians 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.


Jesus' love for His Church is the ultimate example of commitment, giving Himself up to death on the cross for His beloved.


Please follow Christ's example to be absolutely and totally committed to your spouse, in good times and in bad.


This recipe can be used in any relationship, spouse or friendship.  These are the foundations used to build and nurture and keep your love alive and well.  Apply these to your relationships and I am sure you will be blessed!  Remember God must be the main ingredient and prayer for each other is of the utmost importance.  Even if you are fighting, you can still be praying for one another.  That can give you comfort and reassurance.  When you have finally found the one God has for you, continue to seek God's guidance, His blessings, pray without ceasing and put this recipe into practice and the results will be a long, satisfying and strong life together.  God bless you!