The Joy Of Mutual Support

support - The Joy of Mutual Support

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

One of the ways Teresa and I support one another is through giving to each other. God has graciously shaped us in this area because we spent the first years of our marriage taking from each other rather than giving. We thought it was more blessed to receive, and each of us sometimes demanded certain things from the other. But slowly we have seen that God’s lavish giving to us—especially through His Son—is the model He wants us to have in our marriage.

Teresa and I have learned that God wants us to support each other through the gifts of our time, attention, comfort, appreciation, and a whole host of other things. When I see Teresa carrying the burden of anxiety or busyness, I can come alongside her, get under the burden with her, and help her shoulder it by listening to her anxiety or by helping her prioritize her schedule. I can give her reassurance of my love for her and of God’s perspective of her value.

Giving to one another characterizes a healthy relationship. Both of us have received God’s abundance, and we now “freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

It has been almost humorous to find that sometimes Teresa and I compete for the chance to give and serve. It hasn’t always been that way, but it’s a joy to see the blessing of mutual giving. For many years I would never have understood or believed that it was better to give than to receive, but it really is!

Think about your marriage. Are you supporting one another by giving each other time, attention, respect, value? When you give to your spouse, you make him or her more complete, more whole.

How can you help carry your spouse’s burdens by giving to him or her?