Considering Your Spouse’s Needs

consideration - Considering Your Spouse’s Needs

How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11

The heavenly Father is our example of “much more” in giving. There’s no way we can out-give Him. He takes initiative in giving first. He doesn’t wait around to see if I move first before He gives. Marriage provides us an opportunity to model His example of giving.

For too many years Teresa and I seemed to play the waiting game, which goes something like this: “I’ll do better at giving to your needs after you begin giving to mine.” Because of this, we missed out on many of God’s “good things.” But He gradually taught us about His kind of giving.

Use this exercise to help you and your spouse get in touch with this type of “consideration”—giving, in other words. Check the items that most appeal to your spouse and those that appeal to you.

APPEALS TO MY SPOUSE	ACTIVITY	APPEALS TO ME
	Holding hands
	Taking a shower together
	Going for a walk together
	Being served a favorite meal
	Getting a back rub or massage
	Being told “I love you”
	Being praised for achievements
	Helping with the kids
	Having a quiet conversation
	Being approached sexually

Compare lists, then give! Don’t wait until your spouse gives first. Most couples don’t have more than one “consideration” in common. This is all the more reason to consider these things highly, and often.

In what ways not listed in this devotional can you give “consideration” to your spouse today?