“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” – Proverbs 3:3-4

Marriage is a lifetime commitment — it is very important in front of God and it is created to reflect God’s unconditional love for us. And, as a Christian we are all aware that marriage is a gift from God that we should nurture, cherish and protect. However, staying in love and keeping your marriage strong isn’t easy. But with the help of our Lord, you can make your marriage work and last.

Here are 7 tips to strengthen your marriage as a Christian:

1. Treat each other as a blessing.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Treat your spouse as a gift from God — a greatest blessing that you should keep and love for the rest of your life. “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22 Keep your wedding vows and show your spouse that you value them. Be grateful for your helpmeet’s life and existence and thank God for giving you such a wonderful blessing every day. “…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20

2. Respect your spouse.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” – Ephesians 5:22

Respect is one of the essentials to have a healthy relationship and help keep your marriage strong. So, honor each other and treat your spouse with respect. When your partner is talking; listen and give them your full attention. Be considerate when giving advice to each other and don’t say harsh words to them. If you have a different perspective, discuss it in a calm manner to avoid arguments. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22 

3. Fulfill your marital duty and role to each other.

“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3

Being married means you have to fulfill your duty and role for each other to keep your marriage well. As a husband, you are responsible for your wife’s needs and providing for your family doesn’t stop in financial obligations — you are also liable for their emotional and spiritual needs. The wife should also know her role and to give his husband’s needs, including love, care, support, respect and fidelity to keep your marriage alive after baby.  “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

4. Dwell in love.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” – Philippians 1:9

Stay in love and spend quality time together — savoring each moment with your spouse and keeping the spark in your marriage are great ways to strengthen your relationships. “Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:8 Go on romantic dates, share a glass of wine together or have a candlelight dinner at home and get intimate with each other. Also, compliment your partner, give them some gifts or send them cards or sweet notes and tell them that you appreciate their effort and love. “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” – 1 Corinthians 13:7

5. Ask God to protect you from temptations.

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” – Hebrews 13:4

Pray for one another and ask God to keep you from evil and temptations. Keep your bed pure and undefiled — resist any temptation and walk away from the things that may ruin your marriage. Fill your mind, spirit and soul with the Word of God particularly Bible verses about keeping your marriage and hold on to God’s promises. “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3

6. Forgive and forget!

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

Be willing to forgive if your loved ones had sinned against you, and apologize immediately if you made a mistake. Forgiveness is an essential factor to keep joy in your marriage. Thus, don’t let the hurt, anger and bitterness steal your happiness. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

7. Build and maintain trust in your relationship.

“I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” – 2 Corinthians 7:16

Lastly, your relationship doesn’t work without trust, so, building trust is very important in keeping your marriage intact. Have a transparent communication with each other and prove to your spouse that you are reliable, trustworthy and honest. “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” – Proverbs 31:11

Above all, don’t give up on each other and keep your pledge of love to each other before the Lord. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 Thus, commit your marriage to the Lord and let Him direct your lives. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 Serving the Lord together helps strengthen your marriage vows to each other. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” – John 14:1