5 important words for your marriage

A healthy marriage is a happy marriage.

We have heard it said over and over -marriage is not perfect bliss. It is good to hear that married couples are physically healthy and they work to ensure their children are healthy, but it's important never to forget about the health of their marriage.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - According to Crosswalk.com, the hardest part of parenting is when children create strain in the marriage. Kids are never the sole cause of unhealthy relationships but the misleading idea that couples should focus more on their children and less on their relationship is outdated and wrong.

Here are five words to change your marriage for the better:

1. Initiate

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it" (Proverbs 3:27).

Marriages often fail due to lack of initiation. The sparks and energy felt at the beginning of the relationship slowly diminish as responsibilities grow. Initiate activities or conversations with each other to help improve your marriage.

2. Prioritize

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

In a competitive and struggle-based society, it is no surprise people devote their time and lives to things other than their spouse. 

Every morning, before you get out of bed, ask yourself what you can do to put your spouse before you. Even if it is small, like starting a pot of coffee or setting aside a bad mood to compliment your spouse. 

Remember, a marriage is a spiritual contract in which you put your spouse's needs above your own and in return they do the same. If you and your spouse do not share an equal amount of give-and-take, refer to the first point on this list, "initiate," and discuss your feelings.

3. Communicate

"From a wise mind comes careful and persuasive speech" (Proverbs 16:23).

Concerns should be talked-through as soon as they arise. Communicating to each other doesn't just resolve things, it also strengthens your bond and understanding. 

Good communication includes listening to the other person and allowing them sufficient time to get everything out. How can you work together to resolve things if you don't take the time to understand what the other person feels?

4. Forgive

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts ... and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive" (Colossians 3:12-13).

There are things we should let go to keep everything in place, which is not to say let everything go. Learning to accept limitations is a great trait everyone should take to heart and keep in mind.
Remember, no one is perfect. The road to forgiveness begins with the initiation of a conversation, by prioritizing your spouse, by openly communicating with each other, and ... 

5. Prayer
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (I Chronicles 16:11)

Everything is possible when we offer our lives to Him. As a couple, talk to God about life and living, making Him the bright center of your relationship. God blesses marriages and wants us to love. Don't ever forget you married out of love and with God's help, you and your spouse can conquer all things!

All marriages can be strained at times, but the beautiful thing about the sanctity of marriage is that God blessed it and wants you to work things out.  Praying, communicating, prioritizing, initiating and forgiving each other leads to an even stronger bond and mutual respect, so get out there and make your marriage a higher priority in your life! Don't hesitate to start today to make the most out of your married life!

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