Have you ever thought about what takes unity out of a marriage? I thought that was an interesting question! I had not ever thought about unity being TAKEN OUT of a marriage.
Well, as I explored this question, I found some things that will do exactly that!
CRITICISM – it means the expression of disapproval of someone, or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
Criticism is toxic to a marriage because it usually crushes someone’s self-esteem and if they didn’t have much to begin with, well, now that throws them into, they are not good enough. This is where the enemy comes in. It’s an opening for them to whisper to the person about how they have always been less than dirt. Then the person, if they are not strong in Jesus Christ, lapses into self-condemnation and we know this is not of God. But they may not be strong enough to stand up and proclaim they are a son/daughter of the most high God and kick the enemy to the curb. So, it is very important that we do not criticize our spouse.
Encouragement is a great way to uplift them. It might take some time for them to believe it, but it does help them to feel better about themselves. It, also, shows your children how to help others when they see you encouraging each other and them!
Psalm 19:14 NIV, says, “May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Another one is JUDGMENT. Judgment means to look down on someone because of the way they handled a situation or a decision they made.
This can cause a lot of problems in a marriage if you are judging your spouse. None of us are perfect. We are all sinners. Sometimes, your spouse can take something you did or said the wrong way and thus believe you did or said something to be spiteful or to get back at them. So, be very careful of judging because in the Bible it says, only God has the right to judge. Make sure you understand what is actually meant by what was said or done without jumping to conclusions before you say something you will regret!
In Matthew 7:1-2 NIV, Jesus says, “1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
The last one I have is GOSSIP. This is another weapon the enemy uses. It means sharing information with someone who is not a part of the problem or the solution to a problem.
Be careful about what you share about your spouse and with whom you share it. Your marriage is your safe haven. You both have the power to make it safe and keep it that way.
Proverbs 16:28 NIV reads, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
So, don’t give the enemy anything he can use to destroy the unity in your marriage!
I hope this helps you and your marriage! You can always go to our Prayer Wall and add a prayer request. It does not need to be about marriage or a relationship. It can be about anything! It would be our pleasure to pray and stand with you!
If you need to talk with someone, please reach out to info@unitymarriageministry.org. It would bless and honor us to speak with you! REMEMBER:
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
