Couples grow stronger in the Lord and in their relationship with each other when they cultivate a habit of gratitude. We step out of the mundane of plodding along in earthly union when we point to divine actions in our life together. If it’s “good” in our lives, it isn’t because of “Jeff” or “Julie;”  it’s because of Jesus!

But we like to get credit for good things; that gets in the way of nurturing this holy habit.

• I left a gift for an elderly friend Thursday; I hope she knows it came from me.
• I made cute brownies with yellow chocolate in the middle for school; I hope the teacher knows I made them.
• Jeff and I are sacrificing for a college education (ouch!); our kids need to know we make it possible!

Most of us want more than simply to make a contribution or to give or serve. Secretly … we want credit. God looks at us with value apart from our works, but Satan knows we fall into his “credit trap,” and I’m not talking about paying interest and owing late charges. I’m talking about taking credit that belongs to our Maker, because we crave feeling significant and worthy.

Anything good in our lives comes from the Father of Lights (James 1:17). That includes acts of kindness we perform, as well as provisions for our needs. But we’re prone to forget this. When we skimp and save for good things as a married couple, we may be likely to claim “triumph!” when, in fact, we need to declare our gratitude.

We’ve heard the verses in Deuteronomy 6 about teaching children the commands of God whenever we sit down or walk, lie down or rise up. But we often stop there and miss the powerful caution in the following 3 verses:

“And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers … to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (emphasis mine)

For those of us blessed with abundance, we’re prone to take credit for good things God provides and for good things God does through us. By verbally giving God acknowledgement for blessings, we remind each other and teach any children in our homes that our life together is encased in God’s kind care. Take care lest you forget and become a credit-happy couple who wants to be known for all the work, all the intelligence, and all the planning YOU do. Live out your married life in the divine plane by talking about the One who gets all the credit.

5 Ways to Give God Credit as a Couple

1. Pray out loud together, naming the benefits in your life (ex. paying your mortgage)
2. Respond with “God is so good” when you get good news (ex. minimal car repairs)
3. Appreciate each other and add, “I thank God for you” (ex. helping with the dishes)
4. Connect the dots of good things in life back to God (ex. God provided a scholarship)
5. When you experience a blessing, put a “We are so blessed” on it (ex. time off for vacation)

Every married couple enjoys blessings from the One who made them, brought them together, formed their union, created physical intimacy, and provides for their needs. Give Him the credit and watch your relationship take on an air of the divine!

What is one benefit you and your husband enjoyed this weekend?

I recommend you check out:

5 Ways to Become a More Grateful Mom from Genny
3 Ways to Invest in Your Marriage from Teri Lynne
10 Tips for Couples Praying Together from Janet