Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning." (Matthew 19:8) Marriage is hard work! It takes effort to communicate and understand each other. It’s difficult to merge two unique personalities, passions, and plans for the future. The pressures of work, parenting, and bills steal the fun and romance you wish for. You can grow apart over time and wonder what’s keeping you together. Is it worth it to stay any longer? You’ve fought the same battles over and over. You’re hurt, lonely, and frustrated. Walls have built up that seem too thick to tear down. Hope is lost for tomorrow. The answer lies in softened hearts. Humility to admit where you’re wrong. Sincere regret for the ways you’ve wounded each other. Forgiveness, kindness, and devotion each day. Looking for the good in one another. Putting "us" ahead of "me". Loving each other as Christ loves you. Pray for God to turn you toward each other today. Give up the bitterness and negative expectations you carry. Let go of the past and what you think you deserve. Choose love, and see the miracle that Jesus will do in your marriage. *Lord, our love got lost along the way. Do a powerful work in our marriage, to renew our commitment and heal what’s broken. Let us love as you’ve loved us.* *Amen.*

A man who cannot lead his marriage cannot lead anything else. I have talked a lot about building yourself. Your body. Your business. Your standard. But the most important thing you will ever build is the relationship you have with your wife, or spouse. Starting today, I am adding something new to this community. Every day I will be posting a short marriage devotional. It is drawn from a book called Mr. & Mrs. 366 Devotions for Couples by Rob and Joanna Teigen. You do not have to be religious to get value from this. These are reflections on what it actually takes to stay together, grow together, and not become two strangers sharing a roof. If you are single, read it anyway. The man you are building right now is the man she will marry. This is part of the standard.