15 Years of Love: The Art of Choosing a Life Partner and Building a Successful Marriage
As we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary on the 3rd of September, it's a perfect time to reflect on the journey that brought us together and the path we've walked together since that magical day. Marriage, as many will attest, is a beautiful yet challenging journey. It's a journey of growth, understanding, and love. So, let's explore five key things on how to choose a life partner and five key things on how to have a successful marriage, along with two tips for a happy marriage, all grounded in the wisdom of the Bible.
Choosing a Life Partner:
- Shared Values and Goals: "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" - Amos 3:3 (NIV). Shared values and goals are the cornerstone of a strong partnership.
- Communication: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6 (NIV). Effective communication, rooted in grace and kindness, is vital for a thriving relationship.
- Respect and Trust: "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." - Ephesians 5:33 (NIV). Mutual respect and trust are the building blocks of a healthy marriage.
- Compatibility: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV). Seek compatibility not only in interests but also in faith and values.
- Emotional Intelligence: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." - James 1:19 (NIV). Emotional intelligence, characterized by patience and understanding, is crucial for resolving conflicts in a godly manner.
Building a Successful Marriage:
- Communication Continues to Reign: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6 (ESV). Ongoing, gracious communication is essential for maintaining a strong marital bond.
- Adaptability: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NASB). The ability to adapt together through life's challenges is a testament to your unity as a couple.
- Quality Time: "Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate." - Mark 10:9 (NIV). Cherish and protect the time you spend together as a testament to the bond God has ordained.
- Forgiveness and Patience: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13 (NIV). In marriage, forgiveness and patience mirror God's grace and mercy.
- Shared Dreams: "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." - Proverbs 16:3 (NIV). Continue to dream together and seek God's guidance for your shared aspirations.
Two Tips for a Happy Marriage:
- Maintain Your Individuality: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV). As individuals and as a couple, strive to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in your daily lives.
- Express Love and Appreciation: "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." - 1 John 3:18 (NIV). Show your love and appreciation through both words and deeds, as a reflection of God's love for you.
As we celebrate our 15 years together, let's remember that marriage is an ongoing journey. It's a journey filled with love, laughter, and sometimes tears, but it's a journey worth every step. Here's to many more years of love, growth, and happiness together.
Happy Anniversary!
Charles & JoyceÂÂ