Christian marriage advice

Christian marriage advice is available in numerous places.  In books, on websites, in churches, and in conversations, you'll find people offering different types of Christian marriage advice.  As you come across this plethora of suggestions, be wise about what kind of Christian marriage advice you listen to. 

Here are some general basics you can follow as you decide what specific Christian marriage advice you want to follow.

Christian Marriage Advice -- Fundamental #1:  Focus on individual spiritual growth

Our first fundamental of Christian marriage advice is that you each diligently pursue your own individual relationship with God.  The more you each grow spiritually, the closer you can become to each other and to God.  

Christian Marriage Advice -- Fundamental #2:  Pray together

There's simply no substitute for the power of God, and for the effects prayer can achieve.  So our second fundamental of Christian marriage advice is that you pray together.  Pray for your relationship.  Pray for each other.  Pray that you'll both be the kind of spouses God wants you to be. 

Christian Marriage Advice -- Fundamental #3:  Imitate Christ

Christian marriage advice fundamental #3 is that you do your best to be Christ-like in your interactions.   Whether you're happy together at the moment, or in the biggest argument you've ever had, challenge yourselves to embody the love and peace Jesus did.  And even though it's not always easy, be generous with each other, loving and forgiving one another, even when it's not deserved. 

Christian Marriage Advice -- Fundamental #4:  Address small issues early

One important piece of Christian marriage advice is that you address minor issues before they become major ones.  It's really not fair to the other person to say, "You've been doing this forever and it's driving me crazy!"  Instead, when you sense frustration beginning to build, nip it in the bud right away. 

Christian Marriage Advice -- Fundamental #5:  Listen first

When your mate is upset about something, avoid the temptation to offer your own opinions or to solve their problem before you've really listened.  In fact, many times, a person isn't even asking for help in addressing an issue; they simply want to be heard, and to get to voice their difficulty.  That's why we offer the Christian marriage advice that before you speak, you should try to really listen. 

Christian Marriage Advice -- Fundamental #6:  Accept and challenge

Our final fundamental of Christian marriage advice is that you offer your partner unconditional acceptance, while still challenging them to grow more and more into the likeness of God.  The goal here is not to balance acceptance with challenge, but rather to harmonize the two.  Lovingly accept each other even as you encourage mutual growth.

Additional Resources:
http://www.healthfinder.gov/orgs/HR2417.htm
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/
http://marriage.rutgers.edu
http://marriageandfamilies.byu.edu/