Be Loyal to Each Other

“What God has yoked together, let no man put apart.”​—Mark 10:9 

Jehovah requires us to “cherish loyalty.” (Micah 6:8) This is especially important in your marriage because without loyalty, there is no trust. And trust is essential for love to flourish.

Today, loyalty in marriage is under attack. To protect your marriage, you must be determined to do two things.

 

#1 MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE A PRIORITY

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: “Make sure of the more important things.” (Philippians 1:10)

Your marriage is one of the most important things in your life. It deserves priority.Jehovah wants you to focus on your mate and “enjoy life” together.

Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of your futile life, which He has given you under the sun, all the days of your futility, for that is your lot in life and in your hard work at which you toil under the sun.—Ecclesiastes 9:9

He makes it clear that you should never neglect your mate but, rather, you both should look for ways to make each other happy. Make your mate feel needed and appreciated.

Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.​—1 Corinthians 10:24 

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Make sure that you regularly spend time together, giving your mate your undivided attention
• Think of “we” instead of “me” 

#2 SAFEGUARD YOUR HEART

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: “Everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) If someone keeps thinking about immoral things, in a sense, he is being unfaithful to his mate.

Jehovah says that you need to “safeguard your heart.”

Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life.—Proverbs 4:23

The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? —Jeremiah 17:9

To do this, you must guard your eyes.

If, now, your right eye is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be pitched into Ge·henʹna. Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to land in Ge·henʹna.—Matthew 5:29, 30

Follow the example of the patriarch Job, who made a covenant with his eyes never to look with desire at another woman.

I have made a covenant with my eyes. So how could I show improper attention to a virgin?—Job 31:1

Be determined never to view pornography. And be resolved to avoid any romantic attachment to a person other than your mate. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Make it obvious to others that you are completely committed to your mate
• Consider your mate’s feelings, and immediately end any relationship that would make your mate uncomfortable 

ASK YOURSELF . . .

• How can I make more time for my mate?
• Is my mate my best friend?

source: www.jw.org