Couple's Devotion 4- Best Friends

Oh, it has been months since I last posted an entry for our Couple's Devotion Sunday taken from the book Night Light by James and Shirley Dobson. So, here is an entry for this week's devotion.

This has been our devotion the other day and I truly like our discussion at the end of the reading as it opened up a lot of issues that has been in our hearts for a long time but never had the opportunity to come out as both of us assumed that it was all settled. Anyways, read on and I hope you and your spouse can also spend some time reading the entry , answer the questions honestly at pray together.

Have a Blessed Sunday!!
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Best Friends

A friend loves at all times
Proverbs 17:17

There is a limit to the openness we have described. It can be used to create insecurity and gain power over your spouse. I (JCD) know of a handsome young company president who told his wife every day about the single women at the office who flirted with him. HIs candor was admirable, but by not also stressing his commitment to his wife, he was saying ( consciously or not): You'd better treat me rigth because there are plenty of women out there just waiting to get their hands on me." His wife began to fret about how she would hang onto her husband.

He should have reflected on his real motives for alarming his wife. Did this kind of sharing nurture or injure his friendship with her? ANd she could have helped redirect the conversations by pointing out to her husband - in a calm, non threatening manner- how his words made her feel.

If you reveal your inner feelings honestly with pure motives, and continually reaffirm your commitment to your marriage, your spouse will become your most treasured confidante, protector, adviser, and friend. After forty years of marriage, I can happily report that Shirley and I are best, intimate friends- in no small part because we've earned each other's trust.

JUST BETWEEN US:

• Have you shown me the real you?
• How should we respond when our partner shares weakness?
• How can I become a better friend?

PRAYER:

Father, thank You so much that my spouse and I are lifetime partners. But we want to always be best and dearest friends, too. Bless us with Your wisdom, grace, and power to this end, we pray. AMen.