The title of today’s devotional may have piqued your interest. Many times in relationships, especially marriages, people focus on themselves and what they are getting from their spouse with very little time spent considering how they may be causing or perpetuating some of the issues in their relationship. Most, if not all, of the issues stem from self-centeredness. Self-centeredness opens the door to grief, offense, hurt, and many other problems, including these seven ways that many husbands and wives injure each other:

Seven ways a wife injures her husband unknowingly:

1. Putting him down and criticizing him in front of others
2. Going behind him when he does something at home
3. Badgering him constantly
4. Using the “you always” phrase
5. Holding him responsible for her emotional well-being
6. Complaining about what she does not have or does not get to do
7. Showing no appreciation for his efforts

Seven ways a husband injures his wife unknowingly:

1. Cuts her out of the discussion
2. Fails to notice the difference she makes
3. Underestimates the small things
4. Speaks curtly or rudely, talks down to her
5. Corrects her as she is talking
6. Acts suspiciously or tries to hide information from her
7. Admires other women over her

When we are self-centered, we ignore the needs of others and only focus on our own. Husbands and wives can injure each other without being aware of it because all they are focused on are themselves, rather than the other person in the marriage. Take some time this week to disregard what has been said or done to you and really consider the other person’s needs. Commit to allowing God to use you to be a blessing to them however He sees fit.

Prayer:

Father, we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand, asking You to use us to be a blessing to our spouse or loved one this week. Show us ways to honor and not hurt them, regardless of what they have or have not done. Help us walk in love and forgiveness. We can do nothing apart from You and we believe that, as we walk in love, they will experience who You are in us and be forever changed for the better. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray and believe. Amen.

Scriptures to meditate on:

Hebrews 12:14-16

Proverbs 17:14                                  

Mark 8:34

Philippians 2:3                                         

John 14:2

Proverbs 13:10                                        

1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, AMP