Marital advice and tips on staying together seem to
be almost everywhere. If, however, you’re a married couple in Christ, you might
want something more than a worldly view.
I might be able to offer that, but I’ve been
reluctant to discuss marriage for a couple of reasons:
- My husband and I married young. I was still a teenager, and his parents had to sign for him. (FYI: our bio child was born twelve years later!)
To be very clear: I do not recommend that pattern! Nevertheless,
by the grace of God, we have been married to each other for
fifty-plus years.
What’s the secret? Having no secrets sounds like sound
advice. However, too many variables keep it from being a solid tip, applicable
to all.
The most reliable guidance can be found in God’s Word
for only God truly knows what we need! For example:
Have a godly
attitude. Accept your equality in Christ.
“Submit
yourselves to one another. Husbands, LOVE your wives. Wives, RESPECT your
husbands,” Ephesians 5:21, 33.
“Husbands, love
your wives, and don’t be harsh with them,” Colossians 3:19.
“Husbands, be considerate of your wives. Treat
her with understanding. She might not be as strong as you, but you are fellow
heirs of the grace of life. This way your prayers will not be hindered,” 1
Peter 3:7.
Remain true to
each other.
“Marriage must
be honored by all, and husbands and wives must be faithful to one another,“
Hebrews 13:4.
Have each
other’s back! Be supportive of one another.
“Encourage one
another. Build each other up,” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Call on the
Lord. Ask for God’s help – especially during or after an argument!
Jesus promised, “Whenever
two or more gather in My Name, I Am there with them,” Matthew 18:20.
Remember: Praying
together is the most intimate thing you can do.
“And, this I
pray: That your love keeps growing in true knowledge, discernment, and insight,
so you can discern and decide what is best,” Philippians 1:9-10.
Mary Sayler, ©2020,
Christian poet-writer,
forever wife, and author of What
the Bible Says About Love
…