Nothing tears at the fabric of a marriage more than being insulted and ridiculed by one’s own spouse.  Name calling, mocking, and belittling have no place in the building of a marriage in private or public.  My wife and I were chatting with a group of couples during a Hope for the Home conference and one of the husbands made a comment regarding his wife’s weight so that all could hear.  Everyone could see the hurt and embarrassment on her face.  Encouragement and reassurance are basic components in a strong marriage. Words of contempt, disrespect, and sarcasm will tear down a marriage. Words of acceptance, approval and support will build one up. 

After reading togetherProverbs 11:17, and Matthew 5:7, make a list of words which hurt your feelings when spoken about you.  Ask your spouse to do the same. Share this list with each other.  As you share the list file these words away in your “heart drive” and never use them again.  Better yet, put these words in the Permanently Delete file.  

This series of devotions relating to marriage are taken from, 44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage, by evangelist and pastor Dr. Jerry Drace.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy, or copies of the entire bookyou may contact Dr. Drace at: jdeainc@juno.com.