SPICE IT UP - THE POWER OF ACCEPTANCE

7. Finally, the spice that brings out the best in your spouse is ACCEPTANCE.

This means respecting your spouse's individuality. It means respecting their right to be different from you. Thus permitting them to have separate views, likes/dislikes, feelings etc. Not wanting to force them into your own mould by all means. This does not necessarily mean 'liking' because in marriage, there are human differences which we must learn to live with. Different is beautiful!  

Acceptance can only be borne out of a conscious effort to see your spouse as a person of worth and to value them as such! It does not mean that your spouse is perfect or that you should overlook everything. It is all about having the understanding that human beings like plants thrive/grow in the soil of unconditional acceptance not in an atmosphere of criticism, rejection, fault-finding, nagging etc. Ephesians 4:2, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Even if there is a need to correct your spouse, do it in love, with the right attitude and tone of voice. They will respond better. Self-acceptance, though is what will help you accept your spouse for who they are. If you do not love and accept yourself the way you should, it will be difficult to do the same for anyone else. That is where it begins. So there you have it. Seven spices that will help put the zing back into your marriage and make it sizzle endlessly!

In the words of Revelation 3:2, strengthen the things that remain ( in your marriage). Start from where you are and begin to take baby steps to reverse the trend in your marriage. Shed the rut! No matter how long you have been married, the wine can be fresh and as intoxicating as at the beginning! Here is to a revived, spine-tingling adventure with your spouse!

Enjoy the ride!

Shalom.