The Importance of Attitude in Marriage

The Importance of Attitude in Marriage

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is god’s will for you in christ jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

You have heard the expression, “That person has an attitude.” It is usually said to denote a problem. But attitude can be a virtue!

Attitude. What is it? It is a choice we make to look at life a certain way. It determines the atmosphere of our homes and the way we interact with other people.

Some people claim they were born with gloomy dispositions. Perhaps some of your family members seem to have been born with an abundance of gratitude genes whereas others seem to be shortchanged.

Some have a sore disposition whereas others can be ridiculously cheerful and grateful.

Yet we do not inherit gratitude genes from our parents. We choose to display gratitude. We can choose to be thankful and look for the best and the blessings rather than the defects.

We can choose to search, discover and not take for granted what we have or experience. It will be especially important in your marriage.

Gratitude unexpressed is wasted. If kept private, its benefit is never fully experienced by you or others.

A sense of gratitude can be infectious; it can affect the attitude of others.

We were probably taught to say, “Thank you.” It is even more important to thank God for all we are, all we have and all in which we delight. Again and again the psalms say, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord” or “I will give thanks to the Lord.”

Consider the following Scripture passages:
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Col 3:15).

“Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light” (Col. 1:12).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6).

The apostle Paul told the church at Thessalonica: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18).

Scripture tells us that thankfulness is a prerequisite for worship: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks” (Ps. 100:4).

For what are you thankful? Take a few moments and write your answer. Could it be that some gratitude needs expression in a phone call or a note? What about your parents, grandparents or other relatives?

For what is your future partner thankful? I wonder what will happen when you look at your partner and say, “I’m so thankful for you”?

Perhaps you could ask your parents or partner today for what they are thankful. Never take one another for granted, but let everyone know your heartfelt thanks.

If it is difficult to see for what you can be thankful, begin to look with new eyes—with God’s perspective. Ask Him to illumine the eyes of your heart.