When was the last time you expressed gratitude in your marriage

– and said, “Thank you.” to your spouse?

Gratitude in Marriage

Gratitude. Thankfulness. It’s important to tell your spouse how thankful you are. Sometimes we’ll say, “Thank you.” to a stranger, before we’ll say it to our spouse! Gratitude - saying "Thank You." - This is number 2 of 101 phrases to encourage your spouse – see the video of Alex and Alisane saying these phrases to each other – by going to “The Video” and also see the other posts in this series.

The Big Picture

Courtesy isn’t a luxury  in marriage – it’s a necessity. Courtesy – including saying “thank you” – demonstrates how much you value your spouse!

“Just as leaks in a dam reflect the potential of larger problems, giving up on courtesy in marriage reflects the bigger issue of not valuing each other. The consequences of forgetting ‘small’ actions remind us of how big those actions were in the first place.” –  Gary Chapman from Love as a Way of Life: Seven Keys to Transforming Every Aspect of Your Life

Sometimes it’s just forgetfulness that stops us from expressing gratitude. That’s easy to solve – get (back) into the habit of expressing how thankful you are… Practice!

But what if lack of gratitude is part of a deeper problem?

Could you have slid into a mentality of entitlement? (maybe?)  

Or have you stopped saying “thank you” because you no longer value what your spouse does?

Maybe it’s time for a bit of soul-searching… an attitude adjustment?

The Practical

Saying, “Thank you.” to your spouse doesn’t need to be difficult – it just requires a bit of attention to details.  There’s going to be a lot of instances – opportunities to say it… here are a few…

  • Gratitude. When was the last time you said "Thank you." to your spouse? Sometimes Encouragement starts with words...thank you for marrying me…
  • thank you for putting up with me…
  • thank you for doing the laundry…
  • thank you for making supper…
  • thank you for smiling at me…
  • thank you for listening…
  • thank you for making the bed…
  • thank you for cuddling with me…
  • thank you for such great kids…
  • thank you for taking care of the bills…
  • thank you for going to work…
  • thank you for being nice to my parents…
  • thank you for helping out…
  • thank you for being so generous…
  • thank you for choosing to do what’s right…
  • thank you for praying for me…
  • thank you for loving me…

I’m sure there’s more!

Leave a comment – about what will you say “thank you” to your spouse today?

Want some reminders about being thankful?  Download a PDF of these four scripture tags…

Download (free)

Print them on cardstock, cut them out, use them as bookmarks, hang on ‘fridge or mirrors, or tuck them into sock drawers, hang them from your spouse’s car steering wheel, or even more fun spots!  Take some action…

Scripture Tags about Thankfulness

 Thankful to Link with Reflect His Love and Glory at JannCobb.com

To see all the posts for 101 phrases to encourage your spouse and the video - click this picture.

To see all the posts for 101 phrases to encourage your spouse series and the video – click this picture.