For the Newlywed or Not So Newlywed
Marriage is fragile. Handle with care.
If that was a bumper sticker, some people might mock it. There is so much truth to it that we don’t always want to see. “The old ball and chain.” “Life sentence.”
We make jokes about marriage, but it is a gift.
It was intended to be the closest relationship we can get to God here on earth. We are supposed to love, honor, cherish and protect each other. More often we take advantage of the fact that that person is stuck with us. We treat them like their feelings don’t matter and we rip into them on a bad day.
Christian Marriage Advice
Friends, marriages are supposed to be forever. Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances, but I feel like so many marriages could be saved if people prioritized their relationship above all but God. Yes, even above kids.
Too often when children grow up, a couple will look at each other and not even know each other anymore. These are well meaning parents. Society tells us to put our kids up on a pedestal and have our lives revolve around them. This is not right. Our children need to see us treat each other right. They need to see loving parents working out differences. They need to see a united front when they have done wrong. Most of all, they need to see an example of what their future marriage should look like.
Does your marriage look like it should?
None of us get it all right. The good thing is that it is never too late to start getting it right. Here are some tips to help you get back on track.
1. Make the home a safe place. When families are together, they should feel free to be themselves. They should not be afraid of being mocked or judged. They should think of home as the best place to be because they know they are with people who love them most.
2. Decide today that neither one of you will say bad things about the other to friends. This is a tough one for many of us women as we can be verbal processors. But it says so much to each other when you make that a priority. No one wants to wonder what their spouse is saying about them.
3. Make it a habit to spend quality time together on a regular basis. This doesn’t have to be a date-it just has to include the two of you. Go on a hike. Sit outside and talk. Start a hobby together. Always keep those lines of communication open so you don’t forget who you are together and why you love each other.
4. When there is a disagreement, try to see the situation from your spouse’s side. If everyone stands firm in their opinion, no one wins.
5. Forgive easily. Not much shows our commitment like letting go of a grudge. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
There are so many things in this world that bring us down. Our marriage shouldn’t be one of those things! Let’s all come together and strengthen marriage and show the world how God intended marriage to be! What God has joined together, let no one separate.
Sarah Donegan is a wife, mom, and lover of Jesus. She grew up a tea drinker but switched to coffee once kids came along. Now that her girls are in school, she is embracing the plans God has for her instead of trying to force her own that just don’t fit right. When she isn’t singing or reading, she is probably writing. You can find her at her Blog and Facebook.
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