As Easter approaches, look beyond the Easter baskets filled with candy and toys. Focus beyond chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. To strengthen a loving relationship, spend more time on the Biblical aspect of Easter than dying eggs for the children. This is the ideal opportunity to focus on the relationship with a loved one – whether it’s a spouse or steady date – and start traditions that will last for many years.
Bible Study
For people who are in the habit of reading the Bible daily, having a special Bible study isn’t such a stretch. However, for a couple who hasn’t had the time or inclination to read about the ultimate sacrifices of Jesus, this is an excellent time to concentrate on the spiritual aspect of Easter.
Ways to incorporate the Easter message from the Bible:
- Join a couples Bible study group at a church.
- Have a daily reading leading up to the resurrection of Christ.
- Attend adult Sunday school and church together on Easter morning.
- Agree to continue with regular Bible studies throughout the year.
Make a Commitment
Commit to using the Easter season as a springboard to a stronger relationship based on common spiritual values. If there is a problem in the relationship, this is a good time to commit to fixing it using Biblical principals. If the relationship is going well, this is an excellent opportunity to renew the commitment to each other.
Establish Traditions
If the relationship is long-term, there are probably already some traditions in place. Easter is an excellent time to add new ones, based on the holiday. Make a plan to start traditions that can be repeated every year.
Ideas for Easter traditions include:
- Attending church on the days leading up to Easter
- Daily Bible study focusing on the meaning of Easter
- Attending church on Easter morning
- Getting together with family later for meals and traditional celebrations
Blending Traditions
Often couples come from completely different backgrounds, and this means their Easter traditions may not be the same. Rather than let this be a source of contention, find a way to blend the traditions.
His family may attend sunrise church services, and her family may go at their regular time. Perhaps the couple can alternate years between the different church services, until they figure out the best time for them.
Some families dye eggs and hide them, while others use candy filled plastic eggs. One way to incorporate the differences is to dye eggs for eating and hiding plastic eggs filled with candy.
Perhaps his family has always eaten Easter dinner with large groups, and hers sits down at home with only the family present. One way to blend these traditions is to have a small meal together and join a group later in the day.
Easter Baskets
There’s no rule that says Easter baskets are only for children. A loving gesture for Christian couples may be to exchange baskets filled with items they know the other would love. The gifts may be wrapped or nestled in some Easter grass.
Basket suggestions for him:
- Pocket size Bible
- Warm socks
- Plastic eggs filled with daily scripture verses
- Favorite fruit, nuts or candy
- Small items related to his favorite hobby or sport
Basket suggestions for her:
- Purse size Bible in her favorite color
- Bedroom slippers
- Plastic eggs filled with daily scripture verses
- Molded chocolate
- Her favorite perfume or bubble bath
Easter is all about spiritual renewal through Christ, which makes it the ideal time for couples to take stock of their relationship and work on strengthening it. Taking time for a Bible study, making a commitment, establishing traditions and blending traditions can bring couples closer than ever, whether they are dating or married. The gift of an Easter basket adds some fun to this Christian holiday.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
