“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
Our Responsibility to Communicate
In our relationships, especially in marriage, clear communication is key. We have taken vows to love and care for our spouses, and this commitment calls us to be attentive to their needs and feelings. Ignoring our spouses can create misunderstandings and divide us, moving us away from the harmony God desires for our lives together. When we choose to communicate openly and honestly, we practice the love that reflects Christ’s love for us. Being responsive and not ignoring our spouse strengthens our relationship, allowing us to grow in faith and love together.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” – 1 Peter 3:7
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Building Emotional Intimacy
Ignoring our spouse can hamper the emotional intimacy that we desire in our marriages. God created us for connection, and emotional closeness requires effort and understanding. When we share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with one another, we build a bond that brings joy to our hearts and glorifies God. By remaining engaged and attentive to each other, we can cultivate a relationship that reflects the love God has for us.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Song of Songs 2:16
“My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.” – Song of Songs 2:16
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
The Impact of Neglect
When we neglect our spouses, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. We must remind ourselves that neglecting our partner reflects poorly on our commitment to love them as God loves us. The Bible encourages us to strengthen our marriage through attention and care. By doing so, we avoid causing unnecessary pain and hurt in our relationship, building a strong foundation that can withstand the tests of time.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Malachi 2:14
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” – Malachi 2:14
Ephesians 5:28
“In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” – Ephesians 5:28
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19
Conflict Resolution
Disagreements will arise in any relationship, but how we handle these moments can make us stronger as a couple. Instead of ignoring one another when conflict arises, we should approach our differences with patience and a willingness to listen. Through loving dialogue, we can find common ground and support one another. Let us remember that God desires unity, and resolving conflicts in a healthy manner strengthens our marriage and reflects our commitment to one another.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Proverbs 25:15
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” – Proverbs 25:15
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
The Power of Prayer
Turning to God in prayer can transform our hearts and relationships. Ignoring our spouse often stems from unresolved issues, and prayer provides a path toward reconciliation. When we pray for our spouse and our relationship, we open our hearts to God’s guidance. Let’s remember to involve God in our marriage, asking Him to help us see one another through His eyes and to strengthen our bond of love and trust.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
1 John 5:14
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14
Our Call to Love Deeply
At the heart of our relationships, God calls us to a deep and abiding love for our spouses. Ignoring them contradicts the divine love we are meant to share. We are reminded in scripture to express our love in tangible ways. A thriving marriage requires us to actively show love, care, and respect to one another. Let us strive to demonstrate the love of Christ within our homes, nurturing our connection and embracing the bond we have.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
2 Corinthians 5:14
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Final Thoughts
As we journey through marriage, it’s clear that nurturing our relationship with our spouse is vital. Ignoring our partner can lead to feelings of distance and loneliness, which is far from what God intends for us. Communication, emotional intimacy, and conflict resolution—these are essential in creating a loving and supportive marriage. God has designed us to lift each other up, pray together, and show deep and abiding love.
Let’s take to heart the biblical truths that encourage us to pay attention to our spouses and to prioritize our commitment to them. Building a marriage that reflects God’s love is not only achievable, but it brings joy and fulfillment to our lives. Encouraging one another and praying for each other is a beautiful way to strengthen our bond.
For those interested in exploring more about how God desires for us to operate in relationships, feel free to check these topics as well: God in Relationships or God Helping Us in Times of Trouble.