Devotions for Married Couples, by Dr. James Dobson

A chance encounter with a Salvation Army bell ringer sparks a moment of profound joy and connection for the author, who is struggling to find meaning in the midst of holiday chaos. As she reflects on this experience, the author reveals how the true message of Christmas - one of joy, love, and redemption - can be rediscovered and lived out every day.

The biblical account of Queen Esther's courageous approach to her husband King Xerxes serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of honor in marriage, demonstrating how sincere respect can lead to remarkable results. By adopting the same level of reverence and deference typically reserved for royalty, couples can create a more loving, positive, and enjoyable home environment, even when they don't feel particularly close.

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 misguided attempt to win his wife's affection through grand gestures ultimately reveals the importance of humility in relationships, highlighting the need for genuine thoughtfulness and consideration in honoring one's partner. By examining a relatable anecdote and exploring questions about thoughtful gestures, this article encourages readers to reflect on their own marriages and prioritize building each other up.

A popular party game that involves ridiculing a spouse in front of friends can be a stark contrast to the joy of building each other up in public, highlighting the importance of honoring one's partner in social settings. By shifting from criticism to praise and support, couples can strengthen their relationships and create a more positive atmosphere for themselves and those around them.

Taking your partner for granted can lead to feelings of unappreciation and even infidelity, as many people 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 do so, leading to feelings of undervalued and unappreciated partners. By re-examining scripture and reflecting on personal experiences, individuals can rediscover the simple yet meaningful ways to show honor to their loving life partner.

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 goals, leaving him speechless in gratitude. By honoring his wife publicly, he created a lifelong romantic memorial that showcased the importance of mutual appreciation and respect in 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. By cultivating trust, commitment, and a willingness to listen, you can transform your marriage into a lifelong friendship that brings joy and fulfillment.

A healthy marriage relies on open communication and trust, where partners feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or embarrassment, fostering a deeper connection and stronger bond. By prioritizing vulnerability and honesty in your relationship, you can build a more intimate and secure partnership that brings healing and encouragement to both partners.

If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! (1 Cor. 10:12). Build a record of choices and deeds that proves to your partner you can be trusted at all times.

To build strong foundations in your marriage, consider implementing simple yet effective guidelines for interacting with the opposite sex, fostering trust and reassurance in your relationship. By openly discussing boundaries and seeking permission from your partner, you can create a safe and secure environment that honors God's plan for unity and purity.

As Satan seeks to destroy marriages through infidelity, couples must be vigilant in their commitment to one another, recognizing the enemy's tactics and relying on God's promises for protection and strength. By understanding God's Word on adultery and temptation, and applying biblical principles to build a "way of escape" from temptation, husbands and wives can fortify their marriage against Satan's attacks.

A man's marriage is put to the test when his wife has a dream that he left her for another woman, Angela, a renowned surgeon, and as she struggles to reconcile her fears with reality, he must confront the possibility of infidelity and work to rebuild trust in their relationship. By exploring this common marital anxiety, the article offers insights into how trust is earned over time and how couples can build a secure and growing relationship founded on safety and confidence.