5 Steps to Successful Christian Marriage
A successful Christian marriage requires a lifelong commitment. It requires self-sacrifice and compromise as the husband and wife serve each other. (1 Corinthians 7:4). When joined properly, the husband and wife become one entity, stronger than the sum of its parts. (Genesis 2:24). This kind of sacrificial relationship is hard to achieve but all is possible with God.
These 5 principles will help you do it
1. Make God the focus of your marriage: In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said that we should seek the Kingdom of God first. Seek His guidance and wisdom as you grow your marriage. Seek help from men and women of God when things get tough.
2. Practice selflessness: Put your spouse's needs ahead of your own.This requires humility, patience, and a willingness to serve each other. When each strives to serve the other, there is no unfairness. Ephesians 5:22-33 spells out the different ways a man and a woman accomplish this.
3. Communicate openly and honestly: Communication is essential. Make it a priority to communicate with each other, even when the topic is difficult. Practice active listening. At first, strive to understand and then to be understood. (James 1:19).
4. Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness is not only required for salvation but also necessary for marriage. Both spouses will make mistakes and learning to forgive each other and move past disagreements and hurtful interactions is critical for a successful marriage. (Matthew 6:15).
5. Focus on your marriage: Your spouse is the most important human being in your life. Make your marriage a priority over all other considerations. Invest time and energy into strengthening it. Set aside and prioritize a regular time to spend time together. Genesis 2:24
Bonus Principle
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
By following these principles, you and your spouse can build a strong, God-centered and loving marriage.
