Lisa O
Every marriage goes through ups and downs, and sometimes love feels pretty fragile. The good news is that faith has the power to bring back what feels lost. It doesn’t take big dramatic changes—small choices made with love and trust in God can do so much more than we think. Here are 15 simple acts of faith that can breathe life back into a struggling marriage:
Choosing Prayer Over Silence
Silence can feel very safe in the middle of hurt, but it usually builds more distance. Choosing to pray, even if it’s short and imperfect, opens the door for healing. Prayer reminds both of you that God is right there, listening and guiding. It helps soften hearts and calms emotions. That little step of turning to Him keeps hope alive and makes honest conversation easier to begin.
Offering Forgiveness Without Delay
Holding on to anger feels natural, but it eats away at closeness. Offering forgiveness, even before you hear an apology, is an act of faith that changes everything. It doesn’t erase the pain right away, but it does stop bitterness from taking control. Forgiveness reflects God’s mercy and shows that love matters more than resentment. It gives the marriage space to heal and start fresh again.
Showing Patience in Conflict
Arguments can make love feel very fragile, but patience is what brings calm. Instead of rushing to speak or prove a point, slowing down shows trust in God’s timing. Patience helps you actually listen instead of just waiting to respond. This small act changes the tone of conflict and keeps the relationship steady. It’s a reminder that peace is worth so much more than winning an argument.
Reading Scripture Together
Sharing scripture as a couple builds strength in a very real way. It doesn’t have to be long or formal—even a few verses read together can reset the whole mood of the day. God’s word brings comfort when things feel heavy and reminds you that His promises are bigger than your struggles. Reading together makes faith a joint journey instead of just a personal one.
Choosing Gratitude Over Complaints
When marriage feels strained, it’s very easy to focus on what’s wrong. Choosing gratitude changes that. Thanking God for little blessings like a warm meal, a safe home, or simply another day together shifts the focus from lack to abundance. Expressing gratitude to each other is just as powerful and it builds encouragement and joy. This small act can make your marriage feel so much lighter.
Extending Gentle Words
Harsh words leave deep scars, but gentle ones bring peace. Choosing kindness in what you say—even when emotions run high—shows love in action. Telling your spouse “I appreciate you” or “I believe in us” can break through walls that feel unmovable. Gentle words don’t take much effort, but they have a very strong effect. They create safety, and that safety allows love to grow again.
Serving in Small Ways
Service may not look pretty dramatic, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to rebuild closeness. Making a cup of tea, running an errand, or helping with small daily tasks shows love in a practical way. These little actions matter so much more than grand gestures because they happen every day. Serving one another mirrors Christ’s humility and slowly brings back the sense of being on the same team.
Choosing Unity Over Pride
Pride can really hold a marriage hostage, especially when both people want to be right. Choosing unity instead means putting peace above ego. It doesn’t mean ignoring problems, but it shows faith that God can heal more than arguments ever will. This choice proves the marriage matters more than winning a fight. It’s a small step that protects the relationship from hurt and keeps love much more steady.
Praying for Each Other Daily
It’s one thing to pray about your relationship, but praying for your spouse is something else completely. Asking God to give them strength and wisdom builds unseen support that makes a huge difference. Even when they don’t know you’re praying, your faith is standing in the gap for them. This daily habit is very simple, but it creates deep connection and keeps the bond strong.
Attending Worship Together
Going to church or worshiping side by side may seem small, but it’s pretty powerful. It’s a visible reminder that God is central to your relationship. Worship fills both of you with encouragement and strength, and it brings in community support too. When a marriage is struggling, that outside reminder of God’s presence matters so much more than people realize. It’s a steady anchor that keeps you both going.
Speaking Encouragement in Weak Moments
When marriage feels heavy, words of encouragement make all the difference. Telling your spouse that you believe in them or reminding them of their strengths can lift them when they’re feeling low. Encouragement doesn’t solve problems right away, but it does give hope. And hope is very powerful in dark times. Speaking life into your partner builds trust, closeness, and a sense of not being alone.
Remembering the Covenant You Made
When the struggles pile up, it’s very easy to forget why you started. Remembering the covenant made before God shifts the focus back to what’s sacred. This isn’t just a promise between two people but a commitment that holds eternal weight. Remembering that makes you very mindful of how important your vows are. It steadies the marriage when everything else feels shaky and keeps both partners holding on.
Practicing Humility Each Day
Humility is so much more powerful than people give it credit for. Saying “I was wrong” or “I’m sorry” tears down walls pride has built. It shows that love matters more than ego and opens the way for reconciliation. Humility makes space for God’s grace to enter the marriage. Practicing it daily may feel small, but it’s one of the strongest acts of faith you can choose.
Making Time for Shared Prayer
Praying together might seem pretty simple, but it changes everything. Even short prayers before bed or over a meal invite God into the center of your relationship. Shared prayer builds intimacy as it reminds you that you’re not facing life alone. It’s a quiet habit that makes a very loud impact, creating unity and drawing both of you closer to God and to each other.
Choosing Hope Over Despair
When things feel very broken, it’s easy to believe they’ll never get better. Choosing hope is an act of faith that pushes back against despair. It says that God is still working, that healing is possible, and that the marriage is worth fighting for. Hope doesn’t fix everything overnight, but it keeps both partners moving forward. It’s the spark that makes restoration possible.