Did you resolve to have a better marriage in 2016?

Photo courtesy of Keith Jefferson

The beginning of every new year yields itself to new resolutions. Sometimes we resolve to do something we've never done before. Sometimes we resolve to improve in an area that we failed at the previous year. Whatever your resolve is, El & I want to challenge you to have a better marriage in 2016. And not just this year but every year.

So, first what's stopping you from having a better marriage? Is it an unforgiving heart? Past hurts that have not been reconciled? In-laws or relatives? A demanding job? Children? Past relationships? Hobbies? What ever the reasons (or excuses), let's resolve to not allow these things or anything to keep us from having a better marriage. Well, you might be thinking this is easier said than done. True. Marriage is work. Hard work. It takes time and energy to make your marriage better.

Photo courtesy of Keith Jefferson

So, the next question is are you willing to do whatever it takes to have a better marriage? Offer forgiveness? Reconcile past hurts instead of sweeping them under the rug? Resolve conflicts with in-laws and relatives and decide to keep them out of your marital affairs? Take a less demanding job or manage your work time better? Put your spouse before the children? Let go of past relationships and those hurts that accompany them? Give up those hobbies that take time away from your spouse? Again, let's eliminate those reasons (or excuses).

Photo courtesy of Keith Jefferson

Finally, are you willing to spend more time with your spouse than you ever have before? Are you willing to just sit in the room with them and watch a program you despise but makes them happy? Are you willing to serve them by doing dishes even though you hate doing dishes? Are you willing to have sexual intercourse with them even when you don't feel like it because you know it will bring pleasure to them? Are you willing to be selfless in your marriage and love your spouse the way God intended?

Photo courtesy of Keith Jefferson

Did you resolve to have a better marriage in 2016? If not, will you make this resolution promise with El and I this year? Let's show the world God's love by having not only a godly marriage, but a blessed marriage! Let's show the world how we hold hands in public. Kiss lovingly. Smile at each other across a room. Hurry to get home. Have date nights frequently. Let's prove to them that marriages are alive and well! That it is possible to be married and be happy and in love.

Let's promise to have a better marriage this year and every year hereafter!

Photo courtesy of Keith Jefferson