Faith & Reason Nexus

A successful marriage is built on a foundation of love, mutual respect, and shared values. It is a commitment to growing together and supporting one another through all of life’s challenges. Here are some essential characteristics of a successful marriage:

1. Is a Spiritual Relationship

A strong marriage is anchored in faith and spiritual connection. Couples should grow together in their relationship with God, praying together and supporting each other’s spiritual journey.

• Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

2. Is a Social Relationship

Marriage is a social partnership where couples share life’s experiences, engage with each other’s family and friends, and build a community together.

3. Is a Personal Relationship

Each spouse brings their own individuality to the marriage. It’s important to value personal growth while also nurturing the partnership.

• Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

4. Stresses Love as Important

Love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It should be unconditional, sacrificial, and reflective of God’s love for His people.

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

5. Has Great Expectations

A successful marriage holds high expectations for mutual respect, joy, and growth. It sets a standard of excellence that both partners strive to meet.

6. Has No Place for Selfishness

Marriage requires selflessness. Each partner should prioritize the needs and well-being of the other, rather than focusing on their own desires.

• Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

7. Learns to Live Within the Budget

Financial responsibility is key. Couples should work together to set a budget, manage their resources wisely, and avoid debt.

• Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

8. Shuns Areas That Will Tempt for Evil

A successful marriage avoids situations and temptations that could lead to sin or hurt the relationship. Integrity and trust are essential.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “Abstain from every form of evil.”

9. Avoids Little Quarrels

Small disagreements should be handled with love and respect. Couples should focus on communication and resolution rather than allowing petty arguments to escalate.

• Ephesians 4:26 – “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

10. Enjoys Good Humor

Laughter and joy should be present in a marriage. Having a sense of humor can help couples navigate the challenges of life with lightness and resilience.

• Proverbs 17:22 – “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

11. Grows Daily

A successful marriage continues to grow, learning and evolving through each season of life. Couples should invest time in their relationship, continually improving and deepening their connection.

• Ephesians 4:15 – “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

12. Seeks the Good of Others

Marriage is not just about the couple but also about serving others. A successful marriage contributes positively to the lives of family, friends, and the community.

• Philippians 2:4 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”

13. Will Do Things Together

Spending time together strengthens the bond between spouses. Whether it’s shared hobbies, travel, or simple everyday activities, doing things together creates connection.

• Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor.”

14. Will Endure

A successful marriage endures through challenges, difficulties, and changes. It remains strong despite hardships, as both partners commit to staying together through thick and thin.

• 1 Corinthians 13:7 – “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

15. Will Praise God

In a successful marriage, both partners recognize God’s hand in their relationship. They give thanks to God for their union, and together they seek to honor Him in all aspects of their marriage.

• Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

A successful marriage is a partnership that reflects God’s love, grace, and purpose for the couple’s lives. Through mutual effort, faith, and respect, couples can experience a deeply fulfilling and enduring relationship.