October 11: Stirring the Pot – Keeping Things from Sticking

Stirring the Pot – Keeping Things from Sticking

Scripture: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

By Sharon Campbell Danvers |
Founder Daughters Arise Ministries

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to remove dumplings from the pot once they stick to the side? At first, they hold on stubbornly, but if left too long, they begin to burn. The pot fills with a smell that was never meant to be there, and the food that was supposed to be nourishing is now spoiled.

This is what happens in relationships when we stop “stirring the pot.” When love, affection, and encouragement are neglected, couples can easily fall into the same routines, doing the same things repeatedly without freshness. Hearts begin to “stick” in old patterns—unspoken frustrations, unaddressed hurts, and lack of attention. Eventually, just like dumplings left too long, what once was tender begins to harden and even burn.

The writer of Hebrews urges us to be intentional: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” This means we are called to be active in stirring love into our relationships, not passive. Encouraging words, small acts of kindness, a smile, a touch, or even a listening ear are like stirring the pot—keeping the relationship fresh, moving, and balanced.

Relationships that are stirred regularly are less likely to burn out. When couples take time to notice each other, to add affection, to renew romance, and to speak encouragement, their love stays warm and tender. But when they are left unattended, when attention is given to everything else except the marriage, things begin to stick in ways that are hard to fix.

So the question is, how often are you stirring the pot of your relationship? Do you speak life into your spouse regularly, or do you wait until tension has already built up? Do you add sweetness and freshness through kindness, or has your love grown routine and stale?

Love thrives on attention. Just as food requires stirring to be enjoyed, marriage requires consistent nurturing. Stirring may feel small, but it is the difference between a burned pot and a beautiful meal. The best marriages are not the ones that never face heat—they are the ones that keep stirring.

Reflection Questions

• What “old patterns” or frustrations have been left unstirred in my marriage?

• How can I add a fresh act of encouragement or affection today?

• Am I giving consistent attention to my spouse, or only reacting when things begin to burn?

Prayer
Lord, help us to never neglect our marriage. Teach us to stir love into our relationship daily through words, actions, and affection. Keep our hearts tender and fresh, and prevent bitterness from taking root. May our love reflect the consistency and faithfulness of Your love toward us.