Recipes for a Blessed Marriage: Five Everyday Practices
A good marriage needs daily care. We want to talk about some ordinary things that matter: how we listen, how we forgive, and how we make time for each other.
Whether you are preparing for marriage or have been married for years, these five practices give you something to work on together.
1. Listen to Each Other
We can be busy and still assume we know what our spouse is thinking. Take time each day to listen without distractions. Ask what they mean and how they feel before you rush to answer.
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)
2. Be Ready to Forgive
We will let each other down at times. When that happens, we need to be willing to forgive rather than keep bringing up old mistakes. Forgiveness matters to the peace of our home.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
3. Keep God at the Center
Make time to pray together and read God's Word. Talk about how your faith shapes the decisions you make as a family. We need God's help with the difficulties we face together.
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1 (ESV)
4. Enjoy Time Together
Marriage should include things you enjoy together. Responsibilities can fill the calendar, so make time for a date or try something new together. We need room to laugh, too.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)
5. Treat Each Other With Respect
How we speak about our spouse matters, both at home and around other people. Speak well of each other, encourage each other's growth, and protect each other's dignity.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.