Lisa O
A strong marriage doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built over years of shared effort, intentional choices, and leaning on faith when life gets hard. For Christian couples, their relationship isn’t just about the two of them — it’s a partnership with God at the center. The habits that keep love steady over decades aren’t flashy or complicated, but they are consistent, meaningful, and rooted in both grace and commitment.
They Pray Together Regularly
Prayer isn’t just for emergencies — it’s a daily anchor. Whether it’s holding hands before bed or offering a quick prayer before a big decision, couples who pray together stay spiritually connected. It’s less about the perfect words and more about inviting God into every season of life. That shared time creates unity even when the day has been messy or stressful.
They Keep Communication Honest and Kind
Disagreements happen, but strong couples know the value of talking things through without tearing each other down. Honesty matters, but so does tone. They share frustrations without weaponizing them and listen without jumping to defend. Over time, this habit builds trust, because both partners feel safe expressing what’s really on their hearts, knowing they’ll be heard instead of dismissed.
They Make Time for Each Other, No Matter How Busy Life Gets
Jobs, kids, and church responsibilities can easily push quality time to the bottom of the list. Couples who stay close protect time together — a walk after dinner, a quiet breakfast, or even running errands side by side. It’s not always grand gestures, but the small, regular moments that say, “You still matter most to me.”
They Forgive Quickly and Fully
Resentment doesn’t just fade on its own — it grows if left unchecked. Christian couples who last learn to forgive without keeping score, remembering how much grace they’ve received themselves. Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the hurt never happened, but it does mean choosing not to hold it over the other person. This clears the path for healing instead of letting bitterness take root.
They Support Each Other’s Callings
In a Christian marriage, each partner has their own God-given gifts and callings. Strong couples make space for each other to pursue those passions, whether that’s leading a ministry, going back to school, or starting a new project. Instead of competing, they cheer each other on, knowing that personal growth in one spouse enriches the marriage as a whole.
They Stay Connected to a Church Community
Isolation makes it easier for misunderstandings and struggles to grow. Couples who stay strong often stay plugged into a faith community that encourages, prays for, and sometimes even challenges them. Being surrounded by other believers provides perspective and accountability, which can be especially helpful during seasons when it’s harder to feel united at home.
They Keep a Sense of Humor
Laughter can be a lifeline in marriage. Couples who can laugh at themselves, find joy in silly moments, and not take every inconvenience too seriously tend to weather challenges better. Humor breaks tension, reminds you that you’re a team, and helps keep the relationship lighthearted even when the world outside feels heavy.
They Keep Physical Affection a Priority
Physical closeness matters beyond intimacy — a hug in the kitchen, holding hands in the car, or a kiss goodbye before work. These small gestures speak volumes over time, reminding each other they’re still wanted and cherished. It’s a way of saying “I see you” without needing a single word, keeping the spark alive in the everyday routine.
They Pray for Each Other Individually
Even when they’re not praying together, strong couples take time to lift each other up privately. These prayers can be for protection, wisdom, strength, or encouragement. It’s a quiet habit, but it shows a deep level of care — one that says, “I’m bringing your needs before God, even when you don’t know it.” That unseen support often shapes how they treat each other day to day.
They Protect Boundaries in Their Relationship
Healthy marriages have guardrails. This can mean being mindful about one-on-one time with members of the opposite sex, keeping transparency with devices, or setting limits on work hours. These boundaries aren’t about mistrust — they’re about protecting the relationship from unnecessary strain or temptation. Strong couples agree on these safeguards and stick to them because they value their marriage above everything else.
They Keep Learning Together
Life changes, and so do people. Couples who keep growing together stay interested in each other. They might read a devotional side by side, attend a marriage retreat, or simply talk about what God’s teaching them lately. Learning as a team keeps their faith and their relationship from getting stagnant, reminding them there’s always more to discover.
They Serve Others as a Couple
Serving together creates a different kind of closeness. Maybe it’s dropping off a casserole to a sick friend or spending a Saturday repainting the church nursery with paint still drying on your jeans. You’re laughing over spilled coffee one minute and quietly helping someone in need the next. It pulls your attention away from who forgot to do the dishes and reminds you that you’re both here to love God and love people.
They Keep Speaking Words of Encouragement
It’s easy to notice flaws, but couples who stay strong make a habit of pointing out the good. A simple “I appreciate you” or “I’m proud of you” can carry more weight than grand speeches. Encouragement builds a foundation of affirmation, reminding each spouse that they’re valued not just for what they do, but for who they are.
They Face Hard Seasons as a Team
Every marriage hits challenges — health scares, financial strain and family issues. Couples who endure these seasons well decide from the start that they’ll face them together, not as opponents. They pray, plan, and lean on God side by side. Even if the solution isn’t immediate, knowing they’re united gives them strength to keep going until the storm passes.
They Keep God at the Center
For Christian couples, faith isn’t something they squeeze in — it’s the thing holding everything else up. When the bills pile up or a health scare hits, they pray together because they know they can’t do it all themselves. Some nights, it’s a quiet “God, help us” whispered before bed. The struggles don’t vanish but there’s a sense they’re not facing them alone and that changes everything.