Day 27: A Matter of Life or Death

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
— Ephesians 4:29

So maybe you’ve noticed: Your words can breathe life—or slowly suffocate—your marriage.

This jives with Proverbs: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (18:21). None of us want to kill a relationship. How can you feed it with what’s good?

But we also know “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Or as missionary Amy Carmichael wrote, “A cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted.”

So think: What are your thoughts toward your spouse telling you about where your own heart’s at? Are you rehearsing kind responses—or harsh ones? And while you’re there, focus on what your spouse is saying rather than how they’re saying it.

Words can keep your love alive. Commit to only using your words as tools—not weapons.

Praying together for our marriage

He prays: Ask God to help you both communicate in loving ways, by listening to each other’s words and understanding the feelings behind them.

She prays: Ask God to help you both to be sensitive to the best time to share your thoughts, ideas, and especially your concerns.