Marriage Monday - 10 Tips For New Couples (and great advice for others!)

 

 

 

After 26 years of marriage, we could probably be called "an old married couple"!  Although 26 years seemed to fly by, a lot of learning, growing and changing went into that time!  A good marriage doesn't 'just happen'.  Any married couple will tell you it takes work, and a lot of it! 

 

When sweet hubby and I were first married, we faithfully went to church, were surrounded by couples who encouraged us, we had great and not so great family models to watch.  But, it was through a continual learning we grew, we learned what to do, what not to do.  But there are some foundational truths that if learned early, will make the path much more smoother!!  One of my favorite blogs Time Warp Wife recently shared 10 tips for new couples. They are shared with the  hope that they encourage you to love well as you’re growing together in grace. 

Choose Your Words Wisely – Whether you’re frustrated or not, it’s important that we use our words wisely. Careless words have the power to wound–encouraging words have the power to heal. Don’t fly off the handle and say things you’ll regret.

Pray for Each Other Often – Prayer is one of the greatest gifts you can bring to your marriage. Use it as often as you can. The Bible tells us that, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” For daily inspiration, visit MarriagePrayers.Today Thousands of couples are using the site every day to encourage each other in prayer!

Fall in Love Over and Over Again – Every day is a new opportunity to fall deeply in love yet again, as you’re constantly changing and learning to love in new ways. Work through your differences, and try to find common ground that draws you together.

 

Weather the Storms Together – Even the longest of roads has an end. Whatever may come, whatever you face, always remember, “this too shall pass.”  Lean on God and lean on each other during difficult times.

 

Put Christ at the Center – Marriage is a beautiful union where two souls become one, but you’re not truly complete until Christ is at the center of all that you do. With God, we lack nothing. Without Him, we’re left wanting more.

 

Let Grace Abound – We all have faults–plenty of them–which is why grace is so important in a loving marriage. If you’re holding a grudge–if you have unresolved anger between you–release it into God’s hands. Let Him start the healing.

 

Get Past Your Disagreements – You can stew in your anger and hold onto our pride, or you can love with humility, compassion, and grace. Reject the urge to get even or keep a record of wrongs. Exercise patience, and do your best to understand.

 

Don’t Give Up On Each Other – Regardless of how broken your marriage might be, or how bad that fight was, there’s always hope. God specializes in miracles. He replaces the stench of death with life. He gives hope where all hope is lost. Grab hold of each other, and grab hold of God.

 

Choose Joy and Keep Choosing it – Choosing joy—it’s a decision that we make every day. Some days it’s easy, but some days it takes everything that we have just to muster a smile. When we bring a sense of joy into our marriage we invest in our future. It changes the atmosphere in our home, and it impacts each other in wonderful ways.

 

Serve Each Other With Gladness and Joy – Learn to give from the heart. Remember our Savior Who came to this earth as a servant and humbled Himself among men. He didn’t come to be served, He came to give and to serve.The awesome thing about marriage is that we have differing gifts. We are able to bless each other in unique ways and to serve each other with joy.