Marriage

Rather than pursue a "fight-free" marriage, perhaps seek a relationship with healthy conflict resolution. While I do not savor conflict, the truth is that often conflict can lead to a healthier and stronger marriage. Through confronting our issues, we grow deeper in understanding, love, and affection for each other.

The drifting that occurs when we are not in perpetual union with Christ (Hebrews 2) has ripple effects like wandering from our role as wife, helper, encourager, and teammate. Drifting is sneaky and brutally subtle. In the same way we search our hearts for idols so we do not transgress the first and second commandments, we must also survey our attitudes towards our callings in the home, starting with our covenant relationship.

As a newlywed, I was a bit obsessed with keeping my husband happy. To the point that I often denied my own feelings. Husband: “Are you okay?’ Me: “I’m fine.” Husband: “Anything wrong?” Me: “Nope, all is good.” Meanwhile, inside, I would be struggling with anger or hurt. My motto which I adopted when I was young was, “Don’t rock the boat.” I assumed if I didn’t disagree or confront anyone, everyone would stay happy.

Marriage won’t last on feelings alone. Discover five biblical foundations every Christian couple must build on if they want a marriage that endures.

Setting aside our reaction in order to fully listen to our mate is a challenge, but necessary and critically important.

When you learn to let go and allow your newlywed children to establish their own family unit under the Lord’s authority, you are showing respect for the God-ordained sanctity of marriage. This in turn allows the couple to grow closer together as one. Avoid the temptation to interfere, manipulate, or dictate their decision-making process.

What happens when adultery enters the picture? Does it mean the end of your marriage?

This amazing phrase comes from 1 Corinthians 13:4-5. What does it really mean and how can we put it into practice?

A compliment can really go a long way and give your wife the pep in her step for the day.

You can voice your displeasure with this activity respectfully and lovingly. If you yell at or shame him, it will probably increase the divide between you. Share facts about the destructive nature of this activity. Let him know how it's impacting your marriage.

Prayer is a life-changing, uninterrupted connection to our heavenly Father and oh how he loves to hear his children pray! Check out these 10 prayers to pray over your husband using God’s Word.

God is not afraid of your emotions; He understands your pain and wants you to bring your burdens to Him.

If you feel your marriage is falling apart, I hope to offer you some ideas for getting back on track. The following ideas are too simplistic for marriages involving abuse. They are intended for those who are growing apart and need help to find their way back to one another. 

Never disregard popcorn and a board game, a big quilt to snuggle under, and a book to read together, going for a run, or even checking out a local zipline course. Being creative is half the solution to saving money. Not every inexpensive date needs to be a movie on the couch. There is so much to be explored and experienced, and these types of dates encourage communication and interaction.

You can save your marriage, but not on your own! You need God's wisdom.

Gay marriage isn’t going away—and Christians can’t afford to stay silent or confused. Pastor Roger Barrier lays out 8 truths straight from Scripture to help you stand firm in faith and show real love in today’s culture.

God never asks you to stay in a relationship that wounds your soul. Here are five phrases that reveal when it’s time to step away and trust Him with what’s next.

By being proactive, you can protect the love you've cultivated and help make sure your relationship thrives in the future. You and your spouse must actively guard and maintain the love in your marriage. Plan time in your schedules every day to nurture your relationship, address concerns, and seek reconciliation. That will help you ensure that your marriage's  "vineyards" remain fruitful.

But playtime can never go away in a relationship if you want to cultivate a closer connection. If you’re a hard worker and feel guilty taking a day to play, consider it an investment in your marriage. Also, consider it a spiritual activity. God wants us to play, enjoy life, and have some return for our labor.

I recommend couples who cannot worship in church together find ways to worship at home together—through prayer, song, and reading of Scripture.