Strengthen Your Marriage

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 

Hebrews 10:24

If you’re married and committed to crafting a new you in the coming year, improving your marriage needs to be part of that process. The reality of biblical marriage demands it. Quoting Genesis, Jesus described it this way:

“ ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” (Mark 10:6–9)

In other words, any effort to craft a new you will necessarily involve your spouse.

Herein lies an opportunity to make a seismic impact. Marriage experts have found that when couples experience happiness, fulfillment, and satisfaction in their marriage, the effects tend to spill over into other areas of their lives.

Here are five steps you can take this year to transform your marriage—and your life—for the better.

1. PLAN A DATE AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH

Plan is the operative word here. Spend time ahead of your date thinking about where you would like to go with your spouse and what you would like to do. You might want to take turns planning your dates to make it more enjoyable for both of you. Brainstorm new ideas together. Instead of the usual dinner and a movie, take a cooking class, go on a picnic, or hike a new trail. Don’t settle into predictable routines. Find new things to experience together.

2. PRUNE AWAY DISTRACTIONS

Commit to giving your spouse your full attention when you’re together. Here are some common-sense ideas for what that can look like:

• Put away your mobile device.

• Disconnect from work pressures.

• Avoid distractions (such as TV or your never-ending to-do list).

• Shield your mind from interruptions (that may mean finding a place to talk away from the kids).

• Look your spouse in the eye when talking to each other.

• Send a nonverbal message (and perhaps occasionally a verbal one!) that nothing matters more to you than listening.

Purposeful attentiveness sets the stage for the kind of interaction that changes relationships.

3. TOUCH BASE DURING THE DAY

A well-timed text or phone call does more than just break up a day. Done right, it can also communicate sentiments such as

• “I miss you.”

• “You’re never far from my mind.”

• “I can’t wait until we’re together again.”

• “You are important to me.”

• “I’m really looking forward to our date this weekend.”

Be creative, thoughtful, and judicious with your messages. (The last thing you want to do is become a distraction or annoyance to your spouse!)

4. SEEK OUT OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER

Working toward common goals can strengthen your bond. It’s also a great way to discover hidden talents and abilities in each other. Your best bet is to start small, with fairly easy projects around the house you can complete as a team. As you develop a working rapport, you can tackle bigger challenges together.

5. SURPRISE YOUR SPOUSE

Whether it’s a take-out meal from your spouse’s favorite restaurant or a weekend getaway by your favorite lake, a well-planned surprise can

• let your spouse know you’re thinking of ways to please him or her;

• add a little excitement to your daily routine;

• brighten up an otherwise bad day;

• make you seem unpredictable—in a really good way.

How many times can you surprise your spouse in the next 365 days?

This blog post has been adapted from Unlock the Bible's Secrets, which is a special-edition magazine that is now available in stores wherever magazines are sold.