Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #28 — A Better You

Picture: Counsel #28 — A Better You CR 262.1

Marriage doesn’t freeze people in time. Who your spouse was at 25 won’t be exactly who they are at 40. Life shapes us - our successes, failures, losses, and talents all have an impact on spiritual growth and maturity. A healthy marriage will always create room for that growth. CR 262.2

Supporting your spouse’s personal and spiritual development means celebrating new interests, skills, or passions, even if they’re different from yours. Maybe your spouse wants to learn a new instrument, go back to school, or explore a ministry opportunity. Instead of resisting change or approaching your spouse from a selfish perspective, become their biggest supporter. God often reveals new talents and callings over time, so marriage should never be a place where someone must stay small to keep the peace. When your spouse knows they are safe to grow, they will flourish! That growth will not just be for themselves, but for your relationship and God’s overall purpose. Love is not measured by how much stays the same. Instead, it’s measured by your willingness to walk through those changes together.^[280] CR 262.3

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 CR 262.4

“With the blessing of God, the one talent through diligent use will be doubled…” Ellen White in From the Heart, p. 374 CR 262.5

Reflect: Do you support your spouse’s mental, emotional, and spiritual growth, or are you a stumbling block—silently wishing they’d stay the same? CR 262.6