Check Your Understanding

“Jesus said, ‘Every… household against itself will not stand’” (Matthew 12:25). The key for not being divided is to communicate well with each other.

The biggest step you can take to improve your communication is to improve your listening skills. “Everyone should be quick to , slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires” (James 1:19-20).

and invite God to be involved in your finances, and ask Him for direction and for His favor on your finances.

“If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20, NIV).

the income you received and what you spent the past week. Don’t argue or nag because the purpose of the review is just to discover the facts. When you both are completely aware of your finances, you’ll make better spending decisions. “Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts” (Proverbs 24:3-4, TLB).

is important because when most couples talk about money there’s a problem. Somebody’s not earning enough or someone’s spending too much. You have to be intentional to develop a culture of celebration, gratitude, and thankfulness in your marriage. And when you do, it’ll bless every area of your marriage.

Unexpressed gratitude feels like .

Another key to good communication is to seek advice from each another. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise person listens to ” (Proverbs 12:15).

The Lord honors the wife’s office as to her husband, and often speaks most clearly to the husband through his wife. And if the husband and wife agree upon a course of action, even if the decision turns out to be the wrong one, there’s no basis for an “I told you so” fracture in the relationship. So, seek the counsel of your spouse.

It’s very helpful as a couple to identify your .

Discovering each others’ aspirations and goals helps you learn more about each other. It also helps you prioritize your , so that you spend money on the things that are most important to you, rather than just spending impulsively.