Marriage is a wonderful journey, filled with love and growth, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. With a few practical tips, we can navigate these challenges and keep our bond strong and healthy. Let’s explore essential practices like handling conflicts, understanding each other, and praying together to build a resilient and loving marriage.

Sometimes, the best way to diffuse a conflict is by apologizing even when we’re not in the wrong. Strife can hinder our prayers and opens the door for even more trouble (1 Peter 3:7). So, even if we aren’t necessarily in the wrong in the scenario, apologizing anyway gets us back into alignment and sets us up to move past the argument instead of letting things simmer and get out of control.

Think of intimacy as “In-To-Me-See.” When we allow for those offenses to build up, we stop letting the other person see our vulnerabilities. Not being vulnerable in our marriage pulls us apart and can make it harder to reconnect. Apologizing and forgiving each other helps us go beyond these offenses and keep that close connection secure in our marriage.

Getting to know our spouse on a deeper level is key to developing a stronger relationship and creating effective communication. It’s easy to know what irritates the other person, but learning what they love and what makes them happy takes effort. The Bible says a house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:24). We need to remember our spouse is our partner and fighting with each other gets us nowhere.

So what are some practical steps to get to know our spouse on a deeper level? The Five Love Languages is an awesome tool to figure out how to express love in a way that fills their “love tank.” As humans, we’re created differently, so we all don’t value the same types of affection. Learning an individual’s love language helps us best understand what the other person needs from us in order to feel valued. It’s also helpful to know, especially during conflicts, because we know the best approach to break down walls and create a safe space for intimacy.

No matter the stage of the marriage, keeping the balance is crucial. Men often lean towards physical intimacy, while women may lean towards spiritual connection. However, trying to change each other causes more harm than good. We’re created to think a certain way and we can’t make the other feel bad because of how they’re wired. This goes back to getting to know ourselves and getting to know our spouse. Women tend to pull away physically when emotional needs aren’t being met. Men tend to pull away emotionally when physical needs aren’t being met. Understanding this balance can help us to grow stronger in our marriage.

When it comes to telling tough truths, follow these principles: tell it all, tell it fast, and tell the truth. This way, there are no hidden surprises, and it builds trust in your relationship.

● Tell it all: Don’t leave anything hidden.

● Tell it fast: Share only what needs to be known.

● Tell the truth: Avoid letting secrets creep up later.

When people realize we’re on their side, it changes everything. Communicate difficult truths with love, and don’t compromise. What we compromise to keep, we’ll eventually lose. It’s important to communicate in a timely manner and in a way they’ll receive. Just because you want to be told the truth straight on doesn’t mean your spouse will receive it the same way. Learn how they best communicate and speak in a way that shows care and respect.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to strengthen your marriage is by scheduling regular date nights. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let quality time with our spouse slip through the cracks. By setting aside dedicated time to enjoy each other’s company, we create an opportunity to reconnect and keep the romance alive. Whether it’s a fancy dinner out, a cozy movie night at home, or a fun adventure, these moments together help us remember why we fell in love in the first place. Plus, date nights provide a much-needed break from daily responsibilities, allowing a time and place to focus solely on each other.

Praying together can be a game-changer for couples, especially practicing the prayer of agreement. During big moments like buying a new home, seeking healing, or supporting someone in need, it doesn’t only bring you closer, but you’re united in believing for the same things. Matthew 18:18-19 talks about the power of agreement in prayer, and it’s definitely worth a try.

Another way to grow stronger in marriage is by standing on specific scriptures. If you’re hoping to sell your house, find some relevant scriptures, jot down your goals (like the selling price and timeline), and both sign and date it. Don’t forget to include Jesus’ name on the contract because He’s given us the power to bind and loose according to His will (Matthew 16:19).

There’s something powerful about discussing and setting shared goals and dreams as a couple. When you and your spouse have a common vision for the future, it creates a sense of unity and purpose. Sit down together and talk about your individual aspirations and how you can support each other in achieving them. Then, identify goals that you can work towards as a team, whether they are related to career, family, travel, or personal growth. Having these shared dreams not only strengthens your bond but also provides motivation and direction, making your journey together even more fulfilling.

Strengthening our marriage involves a mix of prayer, deep understanding, effective communication, and keeping the intimacy alive. By incorporating these practices, we will not only notice the bond in our relationship strengthen, but also create a loving, supportive, and intimate connection that can withstand any challenge. Embrace these tips and watch your marriage thrive.