Marriage is a beautiful covenant ordained by God, meant to reflect the love and unity between Christ and the Church. A strong, healthy Christian marriage forms the foundation for raising children who are grounded in faith and love.
I’ve been married some 41 years and here are just a few principles, I’ve found that might be a reminder for you to help you grow a healthy, strong Christian marriage. Now granted sometimes we find we are stronger in areas and need to repent and get right but we know the Lord can bring us through the ups and downs of life.
- Put God at the Center
The cornerstone of a Christian marriage is placing God at the center of your relationship. When both partners focus on their relationship with God, they naturally draw closer to each other.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
- Communicate with Love and Respect
Effective communication is vital in any relationship, but especially in marriage. Speak to each other with kindness, respect, and love, even in disagreements. Understanding and empathy can prevent many conflicts.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
3. Practice Forgiveness and Grace
Is it just me or have you found out that no one is perfect, and mistakes will happen. Forgiveness is a crucial component in maintaining a healthy marriage. Extend grace to your spouse, just as God extends grace to you.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
4. Serve One Another
Marriage is not about what you can get, but what you can give. Serving one another selflessly is a testament to Christ’s love and fosters a nurturing environment for your children.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
- Pray Together
Prayer is a powerful tool that can strengthen your bond with your spouse and with God. Regularly praying together helps you stay connected spiritually and aligns your hearts with God’s will.
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
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- Spend Quality Time Together
In the busyness of life, it’s essential to make time for each other. Whether it’s a date night, a walk in the park, or just sitting and talking, these moments build intimacy and friendship.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
- Model Christ-Like Behavior for Your Children
Your children learn about love, respect, and faith primarily through observing you. By modeling a Christ-like relationship, you set a powerful example for your kids to follow.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
- Keep the Romance Alive
Never underestimate the power of romance in marriage. Small acts of love, affection, and appreciation keep the relationship vibrant and joyful.
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine.” – Song of Solomon 1:2
Building a strong Christian marriage requires effort, patience, and unwavering faith in God. By standing on biblical principles, you can create a loving, stable environment where your children can thrive in their faith and personal lives. Remember, a marriage rooted in Christ is not only beneficial for you and your spouse but also serves as a legacy of love and faith for your children.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
By living out these principles daily, you will nurture a marriage that honours God and provides a solid foundation for raising godly children.
Let your marriage be a testament to the love, grace, and power of God.
Blessings
Art
