He who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

It feels great to have someone – a friend, a business associate, or a family member – view you as a person of great worth. To have such a promise of exaltation from the Lord is tremendous. But to be valued as important by one’s spouse may be the highest exaltation one can from another human. Others in work, church, or community may lift you up, but there’s no comparison with the impact of “I’m proud of you” from your spouse.

That – being exalted by your spouse and exalting him or her in return – is one of the truly great benefits of marriage.

Our scripture passage encourages us not to pursue exaltation, but humility instead – this with confidence that the Lord will “lift you up” in His time and in His way. Important in such an encouragement and promise is the idea that He intends that sometimes the exaltation of my spouse come through me. It’s a tremendous privilege to be involved in God’s plan of the exaltation of others, beginning with the one closest to me: my spouse.
This exaltation might come from a private compliment or public praise. It might come in declining to commit to one of your children’s requests until you discuss it with your spouse. It might come in a tender moment of reflection and with words such as “I’m sure glad you are my spouse, and I love you.”

In whatever form it comes, lifting up your spouse as a special person is essential for an intimate marriage. It’s also a tremendous privilege reserved for two people who share the love and intimacy reserved for marriage.

Q. What words could you speak and what actions could you take part in to exalt your spouse today?

Prayer: Lord, let my words and actions exalt the great worth of my spouse today and every day of our marriage.

Hope this devotion will help us in learning how to exalt each other in our marriage.