TREASURE in Marriage

Treasure in Marriage

In her book, Discovering the Treasure of Marriage Dr. Debbie Cherry teaches distressed and angry spouses to like each other again by teaching them to treasure their husband or wife. Each letter in the word T-R-E-A-S-U-R-E stands for positive thought or action we can take toward our spouse to give them our heart and value them in our own.

T = Think Positively about your husband or wife. Intentionally overlook irritating behaviors in him or her and focus attention on what is good.

R = Respect your spouse. To respect means to hold in high regard and treat with consideration and care.

E = Enjoy the company of your partner. “Rejoice in the wife (or husband) of your youth” (Prov. 5:18). Remember when pleasure and laughter was natural to the relationship? It can be again.

A = Attend to the needs of your spouse, serving them and offering genuine praise.

S = Shield your husband or wife from hurtful words and behaviors (maybe even from you). “Love always protects” (1 Cor. 13:7).

U = Understand your spouse’s needs. Give the attention it takes to learn what those needs are. The golden rule for marriage is: “Do unto others as they need you to do.”

R = Romance your mate. Think about your spouse when you are apart and show love when you are together. When is the last date you had together?

E = Edify your partner. “Encourage one another and build each other up ...” (1 Thess. 5:11) ought to apply as much to marriage as any other relationship! One way to edify is to show appreciation. (Pp.66-76)

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” means we have control over where we place our affection. We have the power to decide to give our husband or wife our positive energy. We can treasure them and our hearts will follow. The joy and pleasure that characterized the early days of our marriage can thrive today when we honor our spouse as treasure from Heaven.

Warren Baldwin