How to make your marriage successful - Foundational marriage principles

ByHanna Shiferaw

We hope for a happy, fulfilling and successful marriage in our life. However, it doesn’t seem that we would like to pay the price it takes. Here are some tips to make your marriage successful.

1. Understand marriage is not your idea. It is God’s idea

We didn’t create the idea of marriage. God created it and wanted us to live in it. We are all psychologically designed to desire marriage and family.
The Lord God said “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:18

2. Stay committed

Marriage commitment is a life time commitment. It should not be taken lightly. You cannot break it when things go wrong and keep on when things are fine. Stay committed no matter what happened in between. Never give up on your marriage.
Don’t break your promise to the wife you married. Malachi 2:15     

3. Love your spouse unconditionally

If you want your marriage to be pleasant, you have to love, give care and consideration for your spouse unconditionally.  Unconditionally means without requirements or qualifications. It seems difficult for a human being to love that way, however, you can develop it progressively.  Take the first step to practice to love unconditionally today for example. You will be a step ahead tomorrow.
Don’t pay back evil with evil. Romans 12:17

4. Expect there are joyful as well as sad times in your marriage

Your expectations distract or build your marriage. Some people enter in to a marriage relationship with high expectations. The real truth is there are joyful as well as sad times in your marriage. You just have to deal with them and stay loving and committed all the time.
A husband also must love his wife. He must love her just as he loves himself. And a wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33

5. Respect your marriage, because marriage is honorable

Marriage should not be taken lightly. It is valuable and honorable. It is a foundation of a society. If you want to do something good for your country or society, start from respecting and honoring your marriage.
All of you should honor marriage. Hebrew 13:4

6. Consult God on any matter concerning your marriage

The creator of marriage has the perfect guidelines on how to live in it and how to get the best out of it. Therefore, consult God on any matter concerning your marriage, so that you can get perfect solution.
If any of you need wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone.  James 1:5

7. Take an action for what God tells you to do on any matters of your marriage

God leads you the way to a perfect marriage life. Following is up to you. Take an action. Strictly follow on what God tells you to do, even if it is so painful sometimes. It is always for the best outcomes.

You must be willing to change and obey me. Isaiah 1:19