Thoughts on Marriage

Here’s how to have a problem-free marriage from a man with 55+ years of experience: Put Christ 100% into your life.  Let him take charge of your marriage (Ephesians 5:21-28).

Refuse to accept the idea that the honeymoon is over after three or four days of marriage. It can last as long as you live (Ruth 4:14)!

Court each other every day as long as you live (Proverbs 5:18-19, 6:24-25).

Reject the idea that marriage is a 50-50 proposition.  Each partner needs to give 100% of their time, energy, and devotion to the marriage as well as to each other.

When problems arise (and they will), discuss them rationally and realistically.  Refuse to discuss any problem “under heat” (Romans 12:18, Ephesians 4:26, Proverbs 15:1).

Know each other thoroughly.  Can you wake up each morning knowing how the other feels before he or she wakes up?

Prepare yourself to be subject to your spouse’s needs!!!  Give up something you want (Ephesians 5:21, Philippians 3:3).

Keep your marriage on a positive pinnacle.  Never let it become negative.

Refuse to look for mistakes or errors in your mate.  Your mate is just as human as you are. When you go looking for mistakes in your mate, you will always find them.  Look for the goodness, kindness, etc. (Philippians 3:4-5).

Reject the philosophy that a fight is good for your marriage.  Both people are hurt in a fight.

Never marry someone on the advice of someone else.

Never marry someone you don’t love.