Life can be full of fun and excitement for newlywedded couples, especially during the first few months of their marriage. Love is still in the air, and the freshness of knowing each other and becoming one keeps the thrilling feeling alive. However, as days turn into months and the months roll into years, the joy and excitement about one another can seem to fade away for certain reasons hidden from either partner.
However, God has created the love between a husband and his wife to last till death do them part, just as Christ loves the church. To keep a lasting love in your marriage, here is some important advice for newlyweds that all couples should know and adhere to so that their marriage can last a lifetime. Thank you for your patience, and I hope this meets your expectations. If you need further adjustments or additional content, please let me know.
Acknowledge the Headship of the Husband
As a wife, you should accept the headship of your husband without any condition attached, as commanded by God in Ephesians 5:23 (NIV):
"For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior."
This biblical principle does not imply that the woman is inferior; instead, she is called to complete her husband, just as the body parts complete the head. Trust that your husband will make the right decisions for your family, and avoid nagging or fighting for position.
Have Mutual Respect
As the popular saying goes, “Respect is reciprocal.” Newlyweds should have mutual respect in submission to one another, as instructed in Ephesians 5:21 (NIV):
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Show respect in your communication, decisions, and emotions, and extend that respect to each other’s families and friends. As Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) states, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Be Determined to Make the Marriage Work
Starting from the first day of marriage, newlyweds should be determined to make their marriage work, putting in the required effort despite challenges. This determination will give you the strength to find solutions instead of quitting and the courage to keep going with the vision of a better tomorrow for your marriage. As Philippians 4:13 (NIV) reminds us,
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Keep an Open and Right Communication
Many times, newlyweds appear shy during communication. Hiding your feelings from your spouse will worsen the situation. Be open to your partner and establish a good ground for proper communication. There must be open and suitable communication between a husband and wife.
Open communication means that both partners can give their opinions about issues or share how they feel without feeling rejected or criticized. However, proper communication means using the right words and gestures. There should be no assumption about feelings or words. Each partner must learn to speak frankly but politely to each other, following the guidance of Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Be Financially Responsible to One Another
One of the significant causes of misunderstanding among newlyweds is the realization of the financial status of each spouse. During courtship or dating, many couples hide their financial status from their partner because they fear being rejected or tagged as financially incapable. Immediately after the wedding, if not done before, there should be openness about your financial status. Newlyweds should agree on a mode of financial commitment and responsibility that will be convenient for both parties. This assignment of financial responsibility should be based on each partner’s financial capacity.
However, both partners should be financially responsible in the home and ready to pay bills, as Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) advises:
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
Learn Advanced Forgiveness
Prepare your heart to forgive your partner, no matter the offense or hurt, as Colossians 3:13 (NIV) instructed: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness brings peace, love, and joy and strengthens your bond.
Accept and Love Your Partner for Who They Are
Rejoice in your partner’s strengths and accept their weaknesses without attempting to change them. Through patience, love, and prayer, each partner will recognize their weaknesses and make positive changes. Romans 15:7 (NIV) says,
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Be Truthful and Honest to One Another
Dishonesty has no place in a healthy marriage. Speak the truth in love, as Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) instructs: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Create a Happy Family Together
Build a loving and joyful family by engaging in mutual activities, giving gifts, celebrating special occasions, and attending church services together. As Joshua 24:15 (NIV) declares,
"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Respect Your In-Laws
If either or both of you have close relationships with extended family members, respect and love your in-laws on both sides equally. The man should respect his wife’s family as his own, and the wife should do the same. However, each partner should be free to handle their family matters in the best way, following the guidance of Romans 12:10 (NIV):
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Conclusion
As newlyweds embark on this beautiful journey of marriage, adhering to the 10 pieces of advice outlined in this article can lay a firm foundation rooted in biblical principles and wisdom. From acknowledging the husband’s headship to cultivating mutual respect, being determined to make the marriage work, and prioritizing open communication, each guideline serves to strengthen the sacred bond between husband and wife.
Embracing financial responsibility, practicing forgiveness, accepting one another unconditionally, and being truthful is vital for fostering trust, intimacy, and an enduring commitment. Creating a happy family together through shared activities, faith, and respecting in-laws reminds us that marriage is a merging of families, traditions, and legacies.
As the days turn into months and years, may your love and commitment reflect Christ’s enduring love for the church, rooted in grace and unwavering devotion. Remember, your faith is not just a part of your marriage; it is the foundation on which it is built. Seek guidance from Scripture, mentors, and your faith community, never losing sight of the sacred covenant you have made before God.
Let your marriage be a living testament to the transformative power of love, a radiant beacon of hope in a world that often struggles to understand the depth and beauty of this divine institution. Imagine the blessings of the Lord overflowing in your lives as you walk together in faith, hand in hand, towards a future filled with boundless joy, profound peace, and an ever-deepening understanding of what it means to be truly one in Christ.
