MAINTAINING STRONG AFFECTION FOR YOUR SPOUSE

The best way to continue to express your love for your spouse is to examine closely from time to time, how you demonstrate genuine love for each other. This is what I have personally found out: After many years of being in a marriage, many a couple might find out that they don't fully understand and communicate well with their spouse. Many wonder what's wrong with them, and some others feel greatly confused, in terms of losing interest in each other. Two are both living at the same home and seeing each other often, but when this kind of disconnection happens, they aren't just speaking the same love language anymore.

Reference: Song of Solomon 4:10-11 New King James Version (NKJV) 'How fair is your love, My sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love, And the scent of your perfumes Than all spices! Your lips, O my spouse, Drip as the honeycomb; Honey and milk are under your tongue; And the fragrance of your garments Is like the fragrance of Lebanon.'

Song of Solomon is a book that represents the covenantal love of Christ for His church. It is also encouraging to apply this love between husbands and wives in Christian homes. Considering our referenced Scriptures, the wordings used can be construed as emotional vibes that can revive the atmosphere of a marital relationship when communicated to and shared by couples.

Did you know that the enemy is hell-bent on destroying marriages, alienating children, and even instigating couples against each other with the simple goal of bringing ruin and destruction to every home he possibly can? The tragedies plaguing families in many parts of the world today are simply beyond belief. Jesus referred to this demonic work. However, the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV), 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.' In other words, it's a common challenge in today's world.

All over the world, the devil is wreaking absolute havoc and he will go to any length to tear apart any family he targets. Amid all this, Satan also targets Christian homes. Many Christian families have been wracked by chaos, sorrow and pain through divorce, rebellious children, and addictions of all kinds. And here's the truth: In any troubled home, there are unseen evil forces behind it! It only takes standing on the Word to sustain some Christian homes, else they will remain disorganized. But miracle of restoration and divine intervention doesn't only come as a result of prayer, determination and persistence, couples also need to stir up their affections for each other.

Husband, I know its been many years of marriage with manifold experiences and it seems like the first love is no longer evident. Nevertheless think about this: when last did you sleep but your heart was awake thinking about your spouse? When last did you cheer or lift her spirit with names like - my darling, my dove, my flawless one? (see Song of Solomon 5:1-2). By this, I mean - when was the last you were carried away by her affection? This question also applies to wives. Song of Solomon 1:16 (NLT) reads, 'You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words! The soft grass is our bed.' In other words, husbands also respond to words of affection.

Kind and sweet words offer and create the reality of an attractive or enjoyable experience for couples. And with lifted spirits, you can keep the atmosphere of your home inviting and let your spouse continue to walk around the corridor of your soul. Therefore, always aim to boost your spouse' affection with catchy compellations. Remember, a heap of kind compellations signifies Christ's fervent love and affection for the church (see Ephesians 5:21-33).

Scripture Reading - Genesis 2:24; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 5:18-19; Matthew 19:6; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Ephesians 4:2-3.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for empowering couples through your Word to build a self-conscious love and affection for one another. By your Spirit, the love of Christ will continually reflect in Christian homes, such that couples will be tender, compassionate, loving, and adoring. In any family or environment where lack of affection has planted a negative view about marriage, I pray that the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will cause positive changes and help your children to model the right way and demonstrate the commitment to live differently, in Jesus' Name, Amen!