Devotions for Married Couples, by Dr. James Dobson

As a child, your opinion of your parents is shaped by the relationship between them, with each parent influencing what you think of the other; now, it's time to flip this script and show honor to those who have raised you. By openly expressing love and admiration for your partner in front of your children, you can set a powerful example that will pay off for years to come.

A husband's well-intentioned surprise gift can quickly turn into a marital disaster when his partner is having a terrible day. By understanding the importance of honoring one's mate, couples can learn to show love and appreciation in ways that are meaningful and enjoyable for their partner.

Philippians 4:8 reminds us that true strength lies not in tearing down others, but in building each other up. By shifting our focus from mocking to honoring, couples can create a more positive and supportive environment, both in public and behind closed doors.

Taking your partner for granted can lead to feelings of unappreciation and even infidelity, as many individuals seek recognition outside the home; by showing genuine appreciation for your spouse's talents and services, you can strengthen your marriage and foster a deeper sense of respect. By making honoring each other a reflex action, couples can avoid self-centeredness and cultivate a more fulfilling and loving relationship.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of honoring one another, particularly in marriage, yet many couples neglect to express gratitude for their partners' daily sacrifices. By reevaluating what it means to honor each other, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation and respect in their relationships.

A husband planned a surprise party for his wife's graduation, but with a twist - the celebration was all about her sacrifices and dedication to their shared goal, leaving him speechless in gratitude. This heartwarming story highlights the importance of honoring one's spouse and elevating them before others, a vital aspect of a healthy and loving marriage.

Building trust in marriage is crucial for its success, much like constructing a small house out of dominos, where every aspect is connected and the placement of each domino matters. Sharing intimate secrets with one's partner can be a powerful way to deepen trust and intimacy, but it requires careful consideration and vulnerability.

Sharing intimate details with your partner can strengthen your bond, but beware of the fine line between openness and manipulation, as revealed in a personal anecdote about a company president's wife who felt insecure after her husband shared his office flirtations with her. By cultivating trust, commitment, and open communication, couples can transform their relationship into a deep and abiding friendship that brings joy and fulfillment to both partners.

Sharing intimate details with a partner is crucial for building trust and intimacy in marriage, as unspoken thoughts and feelings can create distance and insecurity; by being open and honest about life's challenges and vulnerabilities, couples can foster a deeper connection and strengthen their bond. By prioritizing vulnerability and communication, partners can create a safe and supportive environment where they feel valued and understood.

Building trust in marriage requires a record of choices and deeds that prove reliability, as actions can have a profound impact on relationships. By acknowledging the power of small actions and avoiding pride in infallibility, couples can establish a strong foundation for trust and avoid devastating consequences.

To build strong foundations in your marriage, consider establishing clear guidelines for interactions with the opposite sex, fostering trust and reassurance through open communication and mutual respect. By asking permission and listening to each other's concerns, couples can create a safe and secure environment that honors God and protects their relationship from temptation.

As Satan seeks to destroy marriages through infidelity, couples must be vigilant in protecting their relationships, just as the author recounts a personal experience where he narrowly avoided being swayed by temptation. By understanding God's Word on adultery and seeking wisdom and strength, couples can build a strong foundation for a "way of escape" from temptation and ensure a lifelong commitment to one another.

A man's marriage is put to the test when his wife has a vivid dream about him leaving her for a high-society surgeon named Angela, forcing him to confront the uncertainty of trust in their relationship. As he navigates this challenge, he must decide whether to re-evaluate his commitment and work towards building a foundation of trust with his partner.

The Bible's recipe for sex reveals a divine design where men and women's fundamental differences create interest, excitement, and depth in their intimate relationships. By embracing these differences, couples can experience a more vibrant and meaningful union that goes beyond physical intimacy, as intended by God.

The Bible presents a clear and positive view of sex within marriage, with God creating humans as sexual beings and giving them the gift of physical intimacy as a means of expressing love between husband and wife. By re-examining biblical accounts and symbolism, readers can discover a more nuanced understanding of God's intentions for married sex, and learn to "make love" in a way that honors their Creator.