Second to God, our mate should be the most important person in our lives.  Their well-being should be our priority.  Many couples profess this concept in word, but not so much in action.

Husbands and wives should know beyond a doubt they are a priority to each other.  Their happiness comes before pleasing other people.  If your spouse feels he or she is just “getting the crumbs” something is out of balance.  When priorities are skewed the quality of a couple’s intimacy begins to suffer.  Being out of balance for too long can eventually lead to marital problems.

The Bible tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it.  It tells wives to respect and honor their husbands.  Healthy marriages require regular “tune ups” where couples take an honest look at the quality of their relationship.

In his book, The Road Less Traveled, Peck defines love as the extension of one’s self for the spiritual growth of another.  The rewards far outweigh the effort involved in loving each other in this way.  You and your spouse will thrive in this atmosphere of genuine love as you keep your priorities straight.

As a marriage therapist for thirty years, I have a lot more to say about marriage.  But not tonight, maybe in future blogs.