"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." ~I Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)There is something indescribably satisfying about digging into comfort food when you are emotionally exhausted or bone tired. Your favorite comfort food may be different from someone else's. Those with a sweet tooth will be drawn to chewy brownies or gooey chocolate chip cookies. Others may gravitate towards salty foods like chips or fried chicken.
Likewise, your spouse craves your comfort and encouragement so deeply. Keep in mind, each person is different. Keep tweaking the recipe if something is missing. The combination of ingredients and proper proportions are determined by how your spouse receives love. Ask God to show you what your husband or wife is craving in each season.
You can give your spouse edification not only through words, but also acts of service, gifts, physical touch, and time shared together. Be attentive to how your spouse receives love. Keep in mind it may not be the way you naturally give it. Love will ask you to step outside your comfort zone. This is the crux of The Five Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman.
Need some quick ideas?
1) Design a PowerPoint slide show or photo scrapbook of your favorite memories as a couple
2) Plant a sticky note on the steering wheel that says "I love you"
3) Give a bouquet of flowers (to your wife) or candy bars (to your husband...or wife)
4) Rent or buy your spouse's favorite movies and watch them together
5) Do a household chore that your spouse usually does without asking
6) Make a mix CD of your spouse's favorite songs...or should I say i-Tunes?
7) Cook your spouse's favorite meal. Serve and do the dishes
8) Give him/her a massage without expecting one in return
9) Send an email of appreciation to your spouse when he/she is at work
10) Plan a date that is centered around your spouse's favorite activities
Can you think of others?
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