- Pray together to stay together. Pray for and with each other daily. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Love is decision. Love is not just a feeling. You will wake up one day saying, “What did I do?” You married that person, that’s what you did.
- Start thinking in twos. Involve each other in all decision-making efforts.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate. Talk, call, text, email. This also requires the need to listen. Not to simply hear, but to listen to what the other is saying. It is better to over-communicate, than to under-communicate.
- Leave and cleave. Be careful how much friends and family involvement you allow. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
- Handle finances together. Handle finances well. Financial infidelity leads to problems. Debt can destroy your marriage.
- Respect each other. Calling each other names, sarcasm and derogatory statements can destroy your spouse.
- Forgive each other. You will offend and disappoint each other. Apologize when wrong. Don’t be stubborn. Saying I’m sorry is a sign of strength not weakness. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
- Spend time together. Vacation together. Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Spend quality time with the person you love. Date your mate. Keep the fire burning through dates.
- Stay faithful. There will always someone more handsome/beautiful than your spouse.