Under Construction (Part Two) Building Strong Marriages: A Partnership of Love and Faith

Whether you are newlyweds or have been married for years, this series is intended to provide guidance and support for you and your spouse. Building a strong marriage is essential for a happy and fulfilling life together.

Marriage is a partnership of love and faith. It requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow together. We’ll address various stages of marriage and provide practical advice for navigating through challenges and celebrating the joys of married life.

It's important to note that this is a judgment-free zone. We understand that every marriage is unique and faces its own set of struggles. We’re here to offer support and encouragement, not condemnation. Whether you're in a season of healing or want to take your marriage from good to great, we're here to help.

The Analogy of Good Wine and Marriage

In the Bible (John 2:1), wine is often used as a symbol of joy, celebration, and the Holy Spirit. Just as wine brings joy to a celebration, it’s important to have joy and celebration in a marriage. This includes having a heart for God and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

"On the third day, a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

Just like great wine, God made marriage improve over time. Marriage should never be boring. A dynamic and flourishing cooperation is intended. Marriage can improve in love, joy, and harmony over time, like good wine. Time may strengthen and enrich marriage.

As John 2:10 says, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

Make your marriage a priority in your life to enjoy it fully. Release harmful attitudes, relationships, and habits that are hurting your marriage.

Marriage investment requires open communication, forgiveness, and service. It requires prioritizing your spouse's needs and supporting each other.

To reflect God, invest in your marriage, and grow in love and unity, you show the world God's love and unity by increasing the splendor of marriage.

Invest In Your Marriage By Doing Things Together

The Home Depot Test

One practical way to invest in your marriage is by doing things together. The Home Depot test is a great way to gauge the strength of your partnership. If you can enjoy shopping at Home Depot together and working on home projects, it shows that you can collaborate and enjoy each other's company in various activities.

Partners in Problem Solving

In 2 Corinthians 3:8  "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

This verse speaks to the idea that marriage is a partnership in problem-solving. Just as we are being transformed into God's image, our marriages can also be transformed through working together to solve problems.

In a strong marriage, viewing problems as a team and working together is crucial. Remember, you are on the same team and should approach problems with a united front. It's important to fix the problem, not fix the blame. Finger-pointing and playing the blame game only creates division and resentment. Instead, focus on finding a solution together.

Effective communication is key to solving problems as partners. Avoid verbal attacks and harsh words that can hurt and damage the relationship. Choose your words carefully and speak with love and respect. A soft answer turns away anger. Apologize when necessary and be willing to serve one another with honor.

Partners in Prayer

When couples come together in prayer, they tap into a supernatural force that can bring about transformation and breakthroughs in their relationship.

Praying together as a couple is important because it allows you to align your hearts and minds with God's will. By seeking His guidance and wisdom, you invite His presence into your marriage, which can bring about healing, restoration, and growth.

Praying for each other is an essential part of being partners in prayer. Take the time to lift up your spouse in prayer, asking God to bless and protect them, to give them strength and wisdom, and to lead them in their daily decisions. By covering each other in prayer, you are demonstrating your love and care for one another.

One of the beautiful aspects of prayer is the supernatural multiplication of power that occurs when couples come together in agreement. In Matthew 18:19–20, Jesus says, "Again, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." When spouses pray together, they invite the presence of Jesus into their midst, and He promises to be with them and answer their prayers.

Partners in Parenting

It requires both parents to be on the same page and work together as a team. Here are some key aspects of being partners in parenting:

Being On the Same Page As Parents

Parents need to have open and honest communication about their parenting values and goals. This means discussing and agreeing on important topics such as discipline strategies, education, and religious beliefs. When parents are on the same page, they can present a united front to their children, which provides a sense of stability and consistency.

Establishing Guidelines and Discipline Together

Setting clear guidelines and boundaries for your children is essential for their growth and development. As partners in parenting, it's important to establish these guidelines together and consistently enforce them. This creates a sense of structure and teaches children about responsibility and consequences.

Defending and Supporting Each Other as Parents

Parenting can be challenging, and there may be times when you disagree on certain decisions or approaches. However, it's important to always defend and support each other as parents, especially in front of your children. This shows them that you are a team and that you have each other's backs.

Setting a Positive Example For Your Children

Children learn by observing their parents, so it's important to set a positive example for them. This includes demonstrating healthy communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. By modeling positive behaviors, you are teaching your children valuable life skills that will benefit them in the future.

Making Your Marriage A Priority For Your Kids' Sake

It's easy for parents to get caught up in the demands of parenting and neglect their marriage. However, making your marriage a priority is essential for the well-being of your children. A strong and loving marriage provides stability and security for your kids, and it sets a positive example of what a healthy relationship looks like.

Partners in Pleasure: The Importance of Intimacy

Intimacy plays a vital role in a strong and fulfilling marriage. It goes beyond just a physical connection and encompasses emotional and spiritual closeness as well. Here are some aspects to consider when it comes to intimacy in your relationship:

The Significance Of Sex In A Marriage

Sex is an important aspect of a marriage. It is a way for couples to connect on a physical and emotional level. It promotes bonding, intimacy, and pleasure. Remember that sex is a gift from God for married couples to enjoy.

Avoiding A Checklist Mentality and Prioritizing Intimacy

Don't approach sex like a chore or a checklist. Instead, focus on creating a loving and enjoyable experience for both partners. Take the time to explore each other's desires and needs.

Scheduling Sex When Necessary and Maintaining Physical Energy

Life can get busy, and sometimes you may need to schedule sex. This can help ensure that you and your partner have dedicated time for intimacy. Take care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and managing stress levels to maintain energy for physical intimacy.

Emphasizing Love, Respect, and Enjoyment In the Bedroom

Love, respect, and enjoyment should be at the forefront during intimate moments. Communicate openly with your partner about your desires and boundaries. By nurturing your physical, emotional, and spiritual connection, you can strengthen your bond and create a fulfilling and pleasurable marriage.

The Blessing of the Church and Faith in Marriage

The church plays a significant role in strengthening the bond between partners and providing support and guidance. Here are some reasons why church and faith are blessings in marriage:

Recognizing the Importance of the Church In Marriage

Being connected to a church community allows couples to receive spiritual guidance, counseling, and support. It provides a foundation of faith and values that can help navigate the challenges of married life.

Finding Strength and Support Within the Church Community

The church offers a sense of belonging and a community of believers who can offer encouragement, accountability, and support during difficult times. Having a network of people who understand the struggles and joys of marriage can provide strength and help couples stay connected to their faith.

Keeping Your Marriage Under God's Covering

Attending church and staying connected to God helps keep the marriage under God's covering. It provides an opportunity for couples to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and protection over their relationship. By inviting God into the marriage, couples can experience His peace, love, and blessings.

The Power of Worshiping and Serving Together

Worshiping and serving together as a couple in the church can deepen the spiritual connection between partners. It allows them to grow closer to God and each other as they serve Him together. Worshiping together also creates an atmosphere of joy, celebration, and gratitude within the marriage.

The Impact of the Church On Family Values and Unity

Being part of a church community helps reinforce and strengthen family values and unity. It provides a foundation of shared beliefs and principles that can guide couples in raising their children and navigating family dynamics. The church can offer resources, parenting classes, and mentorship programs to help couples build a strong and united family.

Encouragement

Building a strong and fulfilling marriage requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to prioritize and invest in your relationship.

Throughout this, you have learned about the importance of communication, love, adoration, and seeking God's guidance in your marriage. It is vital to remember that every marriage faces its own set of challenges and struggles.

However, by prioritizing your marriage and making it a priority in your life, you can create a strong and healthy foundation for your relationship.

For those who have faced disappointments in their marriage, it’s important to hold onto hope. Remember that every marriage goes through ups and downs, and setbacks do not define the future of your relationship. By seeking God's guidance, trusting His plan, and continuing to invest in your marriage, you can overcome challenges and find joy and fulfillment together.