Offering Support for your Spouse

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

In your wedding vows, if you said the traditional wedding vows, you stated “for better or for worse…”  While saying those words, life was on a high.  What could worse really mean?  Well, worse could really mean many things.  Each couple is going to experience their own “worsts” and will have to figure out how to support one another through those experiences.  But…how do you support one another?

The definition of support is filled with a great deal of action that takes a strong person to fulfill those actions.  To support means to…

1.       To bear or hold up

2.       To sustain or withstand

3.       To undergo or endure; especially with patience or submission

4.       To sustain under trial and affliction

5.       To maintain by supplying with things necessary for existence

(Dictionary.com)

How do you support your spouse?  How do you bear the burdens of your spouse?  Are you patient with your spouse while support is needed?  Are you able to sustain your spouse during trials and tribulations?   No matter how you look at it supporting your spouse takes a great deal of effort on your part.  Not only do you have to bear the burdens, be patient and sustain them while they are under trials and tribulations, you have to know how they want the support. 

This takes us back to the wedding vows or back to the wedding day.  From the time you say I do you are beginning a new life.  A life that includes taking each day to gain a deeper understanding of the person you married.  In doing that, you will discover how each other needs support.  Support can be many things.  It can be listening, taking action, holding one another, crying with one another, praying with one another, sharing with one another or taking a step back to let your spouse have space.  The key is taking the time to get to know your spouse so when support is needed you know how to support.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”   We do not have to carry the burdens alone.  Christ will carry us and give us rest.  As you go through this week take time to see how your spouse needs support.  It could simply be taking out the trash or it could be something that requires a great deal more effort.  No matter what it is, when you take the time to support one another you continue to deepen your relationship. 

Cheryl