Family Happiness Begins with You (Part 1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Topic: Family Happiness Begins with You (Part 1)
Dear Reader,
I count it a great privilege to share God’s Word with you today. I will be discussing with you all through this month on the subject: Family Happiness Begins with You. Most times, the joy, fulfilment and blessings we desire is dependent on us. You are the key factor to what becomes of your home. The devil has no right to torment or afflict you without your permission. However, we permit some happenings unknowingly through ignorance. Hence, this week, I will be exploring the topic: Understanding your spouse.
For you to have a stable home, you need to understand your husband or wife. Understanding your spouse is very important in becoming a good spouse. You must get to know that everything about your spouse is unique. There are no two people on planet earth that are exactly the same.
Everyone God has made is unique. Thus, you, your spouse and your children are peculiar. You are not a carbon-copy of anyone, you are an original and so is your spouse. You and your spouse are wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139:14). You must understand your spouse if you must enjoy a stable family. You need to study his or her background, likes, dislikes, what makes him or her happy and what affects his or her mood.
Also Read: Attaining Intimacy In Marriage (Part 1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
For those who are yet to be married, before you say, “Yes I do’ to any man or lady on the altar, ask yourself, “How much of him or her do I really know?” Someone met me some years back, who has only been married for three months and both of them were already so fed up that they were ready for divorce. I asked a simple question, “How much of your spouse did you know before you got married?” I was amazed at the next-to-nothing knowledge of the spouse this person had. No wonder in three months, their marriage had technically broken down. If not for divine intervention, that would have ended their marriage with all of its consequent effects.
To enhance the understanding of your spouse, two things must be in place:
1. You must be sensitive. Never walk around with your eyes closed. Your mind is a sound mind, be sensitive.
2. Communicate effectively. Communication is the life-blood of any relationship. Learn to communicate effectively with your spouse and when you know how to do this, it will help you understand who your spouse is. You need to ask questions. The disciples of Jesus were around Him; they didn’t only listen to His teachings. Whatever they didn’t understand they always asked and Jesus never told them to shut up, He always answered their questions. So, rather than assuming understanding, ask questions, e.g. “How about this area? How about that area of your life?” Communicate so you can have a better understanding; and when communication is effective, you will become a good spouse. Understanding is what is required to have an outstanding marriage.
Wisdom – The Principal Thing
Wisdom is the principal tool for securing peace in the home. Wisdom is the principal thing… (Proverbs 4:7). Both the man and the woman in the home need to constantly ask God for wisdom in handling the day-to-day affairs of the home.
Most times, what people call affliction in their home is nothing but ignorance. The treatments for ignorance are wisdom and understanding which enhance peace in the home. In fact, the Bible says, Through wisdom is an house builded, and by understanding it is established (Proverbs 24:3).
James 1:5 say: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraided not, and it shall be given him. Wisdom tells you when to talk, when to keep quiet, what to say and the right time to say it, where to go and at what time. Do you know it is possible to say the right thing but at the wrong time and thereby cause lack of peace in the home? I pray for a fresh baptism of the wisdom of God upon your life today, in Jesus’ name.
Complement Your Spouse
One other way to nurture your relationship is by an often neglected key, and that is complement. Every human being loves to be praised either for what he has done or simply for who he is.
The key is to locate the good qualities in your spouse and focus on it. Then express your appreciation for those good qualities by the words of your mouth. Learn to show appreciation for both small and great acts of kindness. You can also show appreciation by giving little gifts.
Make room for praise in your home. Praise God always and complement your husband or wife and your relationship will be a heaven on earth!
Are you born again? Today, Jesus Christ is knocking at the door of your heart. Say this prayer of faith if you desire to: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
