DAY 3 - Morning Theme: LOVE THAT GROWS: Growing Together In Love, Wisdom and Grace Sub- Theme: GROWING IN UNDERSTANDING: Learning to see your spouse through the eyes of love 🌅 Reflection LISTEN TO THE HEART BEHIND THE WORDS Good Morning! Sometimes your spouse says one thing, but there is another feeling underneath it. "You don't spend time with me." Perhaps what they are really saying is: "I miss you." "You never help around here." Perhaps underneath it is: "I feel overwhelmed and I need you beside me." "You don't care about me anymore." Perhaps underneath it is: "I need reassurance that I still matter to you." This does not mean we should excuse hurtful communication. But understanding asks us to look beyond the words and listen for the emotion underneath them. The next time your spouse speaks from frustration, don't immediately prepare your defence. Ask: "What are you really trying to tell me?" That question can change a conversation. 📖 God's Word "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." — Proverbs 20:5 ❤️ Today's Love Action During your next meaningful conversation, listen for the feeling behind the words before responding. 💬 Let's Talk What emotion does my spouse most often struggle to express directly? 🙏 Prayer Lord, give us ears that hear beyond words. Help us understand the emotions and needs behind what our spouses communicate. Make us compassionate listeners. Amen. 🌿 From The Counselor's Chair Sometimes the loudest complaint is covering a quiet need. Don't only answer the words. Discover the heart. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Listen not only to what your spouse says, but also to what their heart is trying to say." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.