6 Simple Keys to a Strong Christian Marriage

 Marriage is regarded as a sacred covenant, symbolizing the profound love and commitment that Christ has for His church. For Christians, marriage is not merely a formal agreement but a spiritual and emotional union divinely designed and ordained by God. This bond reflects the deep connection between Christ and His church, emphasizing love, devotion, and mutual support.

Building a strong Christian marriage involves focusing on essential elements such as love, trust, communication, shared faith, mutual respect, and support for each other's growth.

Understanding the essence of a Christian marriage involves imbuing the union with spiritual significance and adhering to Christ's teachings. Couples seek to ensure that their relationship reflects God's will, which in turn fosters a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. This entails prioritizing selflessness, love, respect, and mutual support within the marriage while continually seeking spiritual guidance and growth as a couple.

Here are the 6 Simple Keys:

Seek

In a Christian marriage, the role of Christ is pivotal. When both partners actively seek to honor God in their marriage, they establish a solid foundation to navigate life's challenges. This involves prioritizing regular prayer together, engaging in shared study of the Bible, and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of their lives, including decision-making processes.

“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12

This verse beautifully illustrates the strength that comes when a husband and wife unite with Christ. It is not just the couple alone; it is the couple plus God forming an unbreakable bond, providing them with immense strength and reassurance in their journey together.

Love

Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; This kind of love is sacrificial, unconditional, and selfless." Ephesians 5:22 says, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord." This verse encourages submission to their husbands as to the Lord, but this is not about inferiority. It is about mutual respect, honor, and partnership, making each partner feel deeply valued and respected.

In a Christian marriage, love is not based on feelings alone but on commitment and action. It is a love that forgives, serves, and endures. It is about putting your spouse’s needs above your own and loving them as Christ loves you.

Communicate

Effective communication is crucial in any marriage, especially in a Christian marriage, which should be characterized by grace, patience, and understanding.

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

This means speaking words that uplift, encourage, and edify your spouse. It is also about listening intently, seeking to understand, and resolving conflicts with a spirit of humility and forgiveness.

Forgive

There are ups and downs in every marriage, and it is normal for couples to face challenges and imperfections at times. It is a natural part of any relationship for couples to encounter conflicts and overcome challenges together. However, the Christian approach to these difficulties is rooted in forgiveness and reconciliation.

Colossians 3:13 advises, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Forgiveness does not mean ignoring issues or allowing harmful behavior to continue. However, it does mean letting go of bitterness and seeking to restore the relationship. A healthy Christian marriage involves both partners being quick to forgive and eager to reconcile.

Transform

When you seek to follow Jesus, you will forever be transformed into his likeness. Your goal as a spouse is to help your spouse do the same. This means couples should actively support each other's spiritual development by attending church services, engaging in regular Bible studies, and coming together as a team to serve others.

Embarking on this collective spiritual journey reinforces the bond between husband and wife, and their relationship aligns with God's purpose. This not only strengthens their faith but also deepens their connection with each other and with God.

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." - Mark 10:9

Ask God to help you love and support each other—even when it is difficult. Remember: the opposite of love is selfishness, which is the enemy of every relationship. In addition, pray and study God’s Word together daily, and seek out a church where you will increase your strength as a couple.

Promise

Far too many people enter marriage thoughtlessly or assume they can always end it if it does not work out. However, in a Christian marriage, it is seen as a covenant—an unbreakable promise before God. This covenantal view of marriage means that both partners are committed to each other for life, no matter the circumstances.

Marriage is a sacred institution bestowed upon us by God. The divine plan entails a husband and wife wholeheartedly committing to each other for their lives. Unfortunately, the presence of sin has deeply affected our relationships, and achieving this goal may not always be feasible. Nevertheless, God's ultimate desire for us remains, and you need to strive for the same.

Once a man and woman marry, Jesus says, “They are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). This verse underscores the permanence of marriage and the seriousness of the vows taken.

How can you have a strong marriage?

If you have never done so, commit your life to Jesus Christ and ask Him to be the center of your marriage. See it as a deeply meaningful and serious promise of dedication and loyalty to one another and the divine presence of God. Realize that God has brought you together, and just as He was with you in the past, He will be with you in the future.

A Christian marriage is a wondrous representation of God's enduring love, boundless grace, and unwavering faithfulness. By keeping Christ at the center, loving as Christ loves, communicating with grace, practicing forgiveness, growing spiritually together, and viewing marriage as a covenant, couples can build a strong, lasting union that honors God and blesses each other.

Whether you are newlywed or have been married for decades, these principles can help you cultivate a marriage that survives and thrives, bringing glory to God and joy to your heart.