Marriage is a beautiful journey that evolves, filled with moments of joy, learning, and growth. But what if there’s an often-overlooked dimension that can take your relationship to an even deeper level—a love language that not only strengthens your bond but also nurtures your faith? Today, I want to introduce you to a new love language I recently discovered during my Bible study: the love language of protecting each other’s faith.
Inspired by Romans 14:21
While reading Romans 14:21, a verse caught my attention and sparked a new perspective on how we approach love and marriage: “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” (The Passion Translation) As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but wonder—what if we applied this principle to our marriages? What if love isn’t just about making our spouse happy and protecting and nurturing their faith? Imagine a love so deep and mindful that we actively avoid anything that could harm our spouse’s spiritual journey.
The Love Language of Protecting Faith
We often think of love languages as acts of service, words of affirmation, or quality time. But what if one of the most powerful love languages is choosing not to do something that might cause our spouse to stumble spiritually? What if love, in its purest form, is about safeguarding each other’s faith? In marriage, we are not only partners in life but also spiritual companions. Our actions, words, and even our silence can either lift our spouse up or unintentionally lead them astray. This new love language is about becoming intentional in how we help our spouse grow in faith, and it starts by asking ourselves:
- Are there things I do or say that might weaken my spouse’s faith?
- How can I protect and encourage their spiritual growth instead?
How to Apply This Love Language in Your Marriage
Here are some practical steps to help you apply the love language of protecting faith in your marriage:
- Communicate Openly
Sit down with your spouse and ask them how you can best support their spiritual journey. What actions or words uplift them? Are there things you do that may unintentionally hurt their walk with God? Honest, loving conversations can build a stronger spiritual connection. - Be a Gentle Guide
Lead by example. Sometimes, the most powerful way to encourage your spouse is through your actions. Living out your faith authentically can inspire them to do the same. - Encourage and Uplift
Make a habit of praying for each other and speaking life into your spouse’s walk with God. Share scriptures, send a quick prayer text, or simply offer words of encouragement when they need it most. - Create Spiritual Habits Together
Strengthen your spiritual intimacy by developing habits you can share—reading the Bible, praying, or worshiping together. These shared moments of faith will not only draw you closer to God but also deepen the bond between you.
A Prayer for Your Marriage
My hope for you is that your marriage continues to grow, not just in love for each other, but in love for God. May you cultivate a relationship where faith is nurtured, where you actively protect and uplift one another’s spiritual journey. Remember, it’s the small, everyday acts of faithfulness that build the foundation for a lifelong, purposeful marriage. Embrace this new love language—the language of protecting each other’s faith—and let it add a new layer of joy and purpose to your relationship.