Kindness in Marriage

Grab

What is the most recent act of kindness you have received from your spouse?

Grace

“So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

The Oxford dictionary refers to kindness as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Being kind is doing intentional and voluntary acts of kindness. Being kind is being consistent in your actions not only when it is easy to be kind but also when it becomes difficult.

Kindness begins in the family. Our children will learn how to be kind through our example of kindness. They will see in us how we treat our spouse, our kasambahay (helpers), neighbors and extended family members.  We will be their role models for kindness.  Hence we should learn how to be kind, not only when others are kind to us but also when others may not be treating us the way we expect them to.

Kindness produces the positive hormone oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone” which aids in lowering blood pressure and stress and helps make us feel good.  Kindness boosts our happiness, optimism and overall well-being.  Hence, we should consciously work on doing random acts of kindness.

Within our family, we can show kindness in many ways. The internet has millions of recommendations on how we can share kindness.  We need to be intentional in showing kindness until it becomes automatic. Here are some ways we can show kindness in the family:

1. Volunteer to do a household chore that you are not assigned to do.

2. Offer an unexpected compliment.

3. Put a note on the pillow of your spouse or children.

4. Buy an extra piece of your spouse’s chocolate bar or drink.

5. Offer a back massage even when not being asked.

And the list should go on.

Gather

How have you shown kindness to your spouse?

How do you feel when you are at the receiving end of the act of kindness?

Go Forth

Discuss with your spouse what acts of kindness you can do for your children and for each other..