20 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY MARRIAGE

It’s hard to believe we are already celebrating our first anniversary!! If you know our unique love story at all, you know it’s been a whirlwind of God’s perfect timing and faithfulness. To celebrate, I’m going to share the most valuable marriage advice we ever received!

My mother-in-law gave us this “Marriage Ethics” list, and it’s been EXTREMELY helpful. We put it up on our fridge as a loving reminder to focus on at least one or two things each day. With intentional and prayerful effort (and a LOT of patience and grace) we have definitely noticed positive results, and I know you can too! Marriage isn’t always easy but God has provided us with practical advice through His Word, which can be applied to our lives every single day. Read below and enjoy!

1. Pray for your spouse; thank God every day for your marriage. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
2. Be ready to forgive; this includes forgetting the past. (1 Corinthians 13:5b)
3. Remember to say “I’m sorry”; it can never be said too often. (James 5:16)
4. Learn to recognize and appreciate the differences in your mate rather than being critical of them. (1 Corinthians 15:41)
5. Look for little ways you can surprise your mate with acts of unexpected kindness. (1 Timothy 6:18)
6. Develop a deep sense of loyalty to your spouse; never discuss or downgrade him/her to other people, even your family. (Ephesians 5:33)
7. Listen to your partner; be attentive; show interest in what he/she says. (James 1:19)
8. Don’t make demands. Yield all your rights to God. (Ephesians 4:2)
9. Compliment your mate; build him/her up; look for good qualities and point them out as encouragement. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
10. Be appreciative and grateful. (Ephesians 5:20)
11. Remember to say, “I love you”; don’t take it for granted. (Ephesians 5:2)
12. Don’t nag, argue, or try to prove a point. (2 Timothy 2:14)
13. Live each day for your mate expectantly looking to meet his/her needs, and meet them as unto the Lord. (Galatians 6:2)
14. Be courteous; act at home the way you would in public. (Ephesians 4:32a)
15. Give understanding and support when under stress. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
16. Don’t ridicule or make jokes at the expense of your spouse. (Ephesians 5:4)
17. Respect your mate’s family. (1 Peter 2:17a)
18. Really work on developing communication; learn to share your lives, hopes, dreams and expectations – even failures. (Romans 12:10)
19. Always share suggestions or helpful criticism lovingly and in private, never before others. (James 1:26)
20. Don’t use “weapons” against your mate. (1 Corinthians 13:4a)