KEEP LOVE ALIVE (4)

“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” – Ephesians 5:20

Allied to Appreciation, the Attitude of Gratitude helps to KEEP LOVE ALIVE for Impactful relationships: “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph.5:20). Being thankful “always for all things,” even when things are hard and difficult, can transform a home into a place of harmony and joy. Cultivating a grateful heart fosters contentment and trust in God's plan for a relationship: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 The. 5:18). Grace of Gratitude in all circumstances applies to all relational contexts, particularly the marital and family.

Showing gratitude in marriage means expressing appreciation and praise to one’s spouse, which fosters a warmer relationship and stronger bond. The Bible encourages this practice through verses like Philippians 4:6, which says to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” While not directly about gratitude, Colossians 3: 18-19 promotes loving actions that can lead to thankfulness: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them."

Scriptures encourage a lifestyle of gratitude to others, recognizing the good they do, showing kindness, and being thankful for the support and love we receive: “And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph.4:32). Showing tender kindness is basic to expressing gratitude. Other ways to show Gratitude in Marriage and Family life are: Positivity, Praying, Practising Radical Generosity, Celebrating Strength, and Nurturing Shared Spirituality.

Positivity: Focusing on what's good will inspire intentional giving of thanks for our spouse and loved ones, despite challenging circumstances. Gratitude flows from shifting our perspective from negatives to positives in all relational matters (Phi.4:8).

Praying for our spouse and children channels God's love into action and strengthens the marriage and family bonds.

Radical Generosity: Gratitude in relationships promotes an attitude of radical generosity, which involves partners giving and sharing without keeping score of who gives more. This builds a positive, collaborative dynamic and lasting love, based on selfless giving rather than a "50/50" mindset. 

Celebrating Strengths: Acknowledging and celebrating one another’s positive qualities and the ways of mutual support, fosters a more intimate, deeper, and stronger connection.

Nurturing a Shared Spiritual Life: Praying, studying the Bible, and fellowshipping together, builds love and gratitude.

For spouses, sharing gratitude is a significant predictor of the quality of the relationship. Expressing thanks for and to our partner can protect the marriage from the toxic effects of conflict, financial stress, societal pressures, and tough, trying times.