A Devoted Fan
It has been said, “The goal of marriage is two-fold: to reveal the glory of God and to enhance the glory of one’s spouse”.
How come this second half is so hard? Why do we find it so difficult to be our spouse’s biggest fan, cheering him or her on, and offering the gift of affirming words?
Of course, words are only the beginning. What our moms also told us is true, “Actions speak louder than words.” Our love can open wonderful possibilities, and cheering on our spouse can bring amazing growth to many levels of our relationship.
“One miracle of marriage is that we discover in ourselves and in our partner a true desire to help the other person become his or her best self. I think it is the part of us that is most noble, even the most godly, because it is about creating—not in our own image, but in the image of God we see in one another. It is love that draws this from us: an intimation of the divine pushing us to realize our potential and to help our partner to do the same.”
As I think about helping John become his best self, the weeks are counting down toward the Super Bowl. It makes me think what a great time it will be to snuggle next to John’s side and observe—not the game, but the devoted fans who flock to the stadium.
Here are a few traits of a devoted fan:
1. A devoted fan sits as close as possible, mesmerized. Am I that focused on my spouse?
2. A devoted fan shouts words of encouragement. The player has fumbled and is feeling discouraged. The fan reacts by cheering, “You’ll do better next time.” What praise do I give when John feels he’s messed up?
3. A devoted fan will boo the opponent. Life’s offender, Satan, is trying constantly to ruin my spouse’s game plan. I can put this enemy in his place through prayer.
4. A devoted fan will issue affirmation. “In marriage, each partner is to be an encourager rather than a critic, a forgiver rather than a collector of hurts, an enabler rather than a reformer,” say authors H. Norman Wright and Gary J. Oliver, How To Change Your Spouse (Without Ruining Your Marriage).
“Keep going! You can do it!” a fan calls. How often do I offer intense words of dedication?
5. A devoted fan celebrates. This reminds me to applaud every victory John has, even the small ones, as if it were the Super Bowl.
How can you be a devoted fan?
Steps You Can Take
- Focus on your spouse.
- Encourage your spouse through your words.
- Help your spouse recognize the enemy.
- Affirm your spouse.
- Celebrate with your spouse.
Daily Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for my spouse and for our marriage. Help me to be my marriage’s and my spouse’s biggest, most-devoted fan. Remind me to encourage, affirm, and celebrate with my spouse.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Resources You Might Like:
Generation NeXt Marriage
The 10 Commandments of Marriage
How To Change Your Spouse (Without Ruining Your Marriage)
I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.
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