Love is the central theme of Christianity. Jesus called us to love one another as He loved us. But is love enough to make a marriage last? This article will explore 15 secrets to a flourishing Christian marriage.
The Foundation of a Faith-Fueled Marriage
Faith – this word has been tossed around within the Christian community many times, and sometimes people forget its real meaning. In marriage, faith is the pillar that holds everything together. A marriage can easily be shaken without faith, even with the simplest trials. Faith fuels love and guides couples through the highs and lows of married life. Whether you’re newlyweds or a long-time couple, these principles will surely inspire you to build a marriage that not only survives but truly thrives.
Pray Together with Your Spouse
The power of prayer goes beyond receiving answers. Praying together builds intimacy between spouses. When praying, you must be open with God and whoever you’re praying with. That requires a certain level of vulnerability, leading to increased intimacy and trust.
Practice Sacrificial Love
Agape, the highest form of Christian love, involves sacrifice. But before you exaggerate, no, it’s not about taking a bullet for your spouse. Agape can be shown by putting your spouse’s needs before yours. An example would be making compromises for the sake of your relationship’s well-being or simply listening to your spouse without interruption.
Encourage Christ-Centered Communication
A flourishing Christian marriage requires Christ-centered communication. This type of communication involves speaking and listening with love, grace, and truth—embodying Christ’s teachings. When you communicate with your spouse, make sure that you both prioritize your spiritual and emotional well-being, ensuring that your words and actions align with your faith.
Establish Trust in the Foundation of Faith
Have you ever noticed that when you start to trust God with your actions or decisions, everything just seems to fall into place more seamlessly? The same goes for trusting God with your marriage. When you trust God, it becomes easier to trust your spouse.
Serve Each Other with a Humble Heart
There are many ways to give and receive love; one of those is acts of service. This love language is especially common among married couples. In marriage, small but thoughtful actions speak volumes and are very appreciated. Of course, it should also be done with humility.
Put Your Marriage First Above All Other Commitments
Life can be so tough and hectic that you might be spending much less time with your spouse, and you, or maybe both of you, may not notice it. Sometimes, it’s easier for your marriage to take the backseat when work, social obligations, and hobbies all pile up. However, this is not the way to a flourishing Christian marriage.
You should always prioritize your spouse and marriage to maintain a strong, healthy relationship. Of course, this doesn’t mean neglecting your other obligations but ensuring that your marriage remains your top priority.
Keep Christ at the Center of Your Finances
Talking about finances is one of the most uncomfortable topics couples tend to avoid. However, it should be one of the first topics that you and your spouse discuss. Your talk should center on managing your finances in accordance with God’s principles.
Foster Patience and Grace
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 86:15
It is easier to get angry and point out your spouse’s flaws during challenging times to justify your anger or irritation. However, the above Bible verse reminds us of God’s graciousness and compassion. As Christians, we are called to embody and extend that grace to ourselves, to the people around us, and most of all, to our spouses.
Share a Vision for Your Family’s Future
You and your spouse should always be on the same page. You should share the same vision as it determines the direction and purpose of your family life. When your visions align, it creates a sense of teamwork and mutual support, making planning for your family’s future easier.
Attend Church Services and Fellowship Together
A 14-year study by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University suggests that couples attending church services together are less likely to divorce. It proves that participating in religious practices together creates a strong bond between married couples.
Seek God’s Guidance in Parenting
Raising children is not a walk in the park. As the old saying goes, “It takes a village to raise children.” Allow God to be a part of that village. Turn to your faith for wisdom and teach your kids the importance of faith in their own lives. When married couples seek God’s guidance in parenting, it creates a home environment that fosters love, grace, and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to a flourishing marriage and family life.
Practice Forgiveness as Christ Forgives
Your spouse is not perfect, and neither are you. Sometimes, you and your partner will make mistakes, say things you don’t mean, or fall short of each other’s expectations. In these moments, practicing forgiveness with the same grace and mercy that Christ extends to us is crucial.
The heart of a Christ-centered marriage lies in forgiving fully and without hesitation, letting go of resentment, and choosing love over pride.
Keep the Romance Alive Through Spiritual Intimacy
Intimacy is an important ingredient in a happy, flourishing marriage. But spiritual intimacy takes it up to an even higher level. When you and your spouse share spiritual intimacy, you connect on a deeper, more profound level that is rooted in your shared faith and love for God. This type of connection creates a strong marital foundation that can weather any storm.
Protect Your Marriage Against Temptation
Temptations are subtle threats that can weaken trust and destroy relationships. Before this happens, you and your spouse should create boundaries that uphold your relationship’s integrity and trust. You need to establish accountability and maintain transparency, but not in a way that restricts freedom. When your marriage is built on trust, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to God, you create a powerful force that resists temptations and strengthens your marital bond.
Grow Together in Faith and Love
Faith and love go hand in hand, which means you cannot grow in faith without growing in love. Growing together in faith means deepening your spiritual connection with each other and with God. As you both explore your faith more deeply, you will find that your love for each other grows. You are able to relate to one another on a more intimate level, strengthening your marital bond.
Secret’s Out
It’s no secret that a strong, lasting marriage is deeply rooted in both faith and love. Applying these principles not only enhances your marriage but also creates a home that is centered on Christ and His teachings. This kind of marriage grows stronger over time, facing challenges together and celebrating the joys of a faith-centered life.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.