Consideration & Respect

Lesson 1 of 11

Consideration & Respect

A 53-Year Journey to Peace

 

Peace in marriage does not come from luck or clever tricks. It begins when one person makes a quiet decision inside: “I will treat my spouse with real consideration and respect.” Many years ago I began thinking deeply about a Bible verse that says: “Husbands, treat your wives with consideration and respect so that your prayers will not go unanswered.” That wisdom changed my life.

 

Without telling Linda what I was doing, I decided to treat her with consideration and respect every minute of every day.

 

Something surprising happened. Without us talking about it, Linda began doing the same for me. Now, after 53 years of marriage, it often feels like every minute we spend together is filled with peace and love.

 

Discover the quiet decision that transforms conflict into connection and creates lasting emotional peace in your relationship.

 

“Husbands, treat your wives with consideration and respect so that your prayers will not go unanswered.”

 

📖 What You’re Learning on This Page

  • Why respect creates emotional safety
  • How one partner can transform a marriage
  • Daily practices of consideration
  • The truth about “lucky” marriages
  • Practical steps to start today

Why This Works

 

When one person consistently changes their behavior, the other person often begins to respond differently too. This is the secret that transforms marriages.

(This may not work in a marriage where one spouse is overly controlling the other. In marriage, control is a dirty word. If you are a victim, keep reading the other lessons to see if you can find something to help you with this issue.)

 

Consideration and respect create emotional safety. When people feel respected, they open their hearts. When they feel ignored or criticized, they close themselves off.

 

Every strong marriage is built on these two pillars. Without them, even the most passionate love will struggle to survive.

Couple having a respectful conversation with attentive listening

Emotional safety begins with truly seeing each other as the amazing  person they are. Daily respect builds a foundation that lasts decades.

The Daily Practice of Respect

 

Respect is not just about avoiding insults. It means actively honoring your partner in ways they can feel every day.

 

  • Listening without interrupting
  • Valuing their opinion even when you disagree
  • Never using their weaknesses against them

 

When respect becomes a daily habit, arguments begin to change. Disagreements stop feeling like attacks and start becoming opportunities to understand each other better.

 

A Simple Step to Start Today

 

You don’t need to overhaul your entire relationship overnight.  Transformation happens through small, consistent actions repeated daily.

 

Choose one small act of consideration today. Maybe you:

  • Let your partner finish speaking without interrupting
  • Do a chore they usually handle
  • Show patience when you feel irritated

 

Small acts repeated every day build a strong foundation for love that can weather any storm. Small acts of service speak louder than words. Lasting love is a choice, not luck.

 

Luck Has Nothing to Do With It

 

When people see a couple who are peaceful after many years, they often say, “They’re lucky.” But a strong marriage does not run on luck.

It runs on:

  • Compromise
  • Forgiveness
  • Overlooking faults
  • Sharing responsibilities

 

Love does not last because of intense feelings. It lasts because two people choose patience, mercy, giving, and respect again and again.

 

Trying to fix problems by talking more will not work unless respect is already there. So begin here: Practice consideration and respect, even when it feels difficult. Over time, these habits create safety, peace, and a relationship that continues to grow.

 

Want a Marriage That Feels Peaceful Every Day?

 

Continue your journey to a happier, more connected relationship with our complete marriage course.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is consideration in marriage?
Consideration means actively thinking about your partner’s feelings, needs, and perspective before acting or speaking. It’s the daily practice of putting their well being alongside your own.
Why is respect important in marriage?
Respect creates emotional safety—the foundation of intimacy. When partners feel respected, they open their hearts. Without respect, even small disagreements can feel like attacks.
How can one partner change a relationship?
When one person consistently shows respect and consideration, it often creates a positive ripple effect. The other partner frequently begins responding differently, even without explicit conversation about the changes.