Dr. Dobson's Married Couples Devotional - Apr. 18, Devotions for Married Couples, by Dr. James Dobson

Dr. Dobson's Married Couples Devotional - Apr. 18

April 18, 2024

Frustrating Foibles

“Be kind and compassionate to each other, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

The great tragedies of life can undermine committed love, but so can minor frustrations. These daily irritants, when accumulated over time, may be even more threatening to a marriage than the catastrophic events that crash into our lives. And yes, there are times in every marriage when a husband and wife don’t like each other very much. There may be occasions when anger or disappointment takes the fun out of a relationship temporarily. Emotions are like that. They occasionally flatten out like an automobile tire with a nail in it. Riding on the rim is a pretty bumpy experience for everyone on board.

The next time you’re tempted to trade in your spouse, remember that divorce must never be considered an option for those who are committed to each other for life. Instead, determine to work on your points of friction and to accept the human frailties and faults in your spouse. He or she must accept an equal number of flaws in you as well. A covenant of commitment and acceptance is a powerful secret to lifelong love.

Just between us . . .

• What “daily irritant” between us is most frustrating to you?
• Have we gotten better or worse at handling everyday aggravations?
• How can we reduce frustrations in our marriage?

Dear God, You know how little irritations often cause pain in our marriage. As we humbly release these irritations to You, please heal us. Forgive us our pride. Anoint us with grace. Grow in us a love that’s stronger than any fault or foible. Amen.

Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.

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About Family Talk Videos

Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.

The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.

Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.

About Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." He is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Marriage Under Fire, Bringing Up Girls, Head Over Heels and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift.

Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised five U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson recently received the following awards: Winston Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition (2017), Daniel Award from AZ Christian University (2016), and the Defender of Life Award from the Justice Foundation (2015).

Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.