Biblical Secrets to a Healthy MarriageSample

Marriage thrives on open, heartfelt communication.

When one or both partners begin to withhold their thoughts and emotions, they risk their hearts growing cold, which often allows the enemy to sow different forms of trouble and temptation within that marriage.

When we begin to neglect our marriage, one of the first and early signs is seen in communication. Conversations begin to be surface level and are often reduced to “Hi, bye, how are you doing?” with no real connection. As a result, vulnerability fades, and emotions are left unspoken.

Many spouses may even be reluctant to share their hearts because one spouse makes the other feel like an idiot for sharing, cuts them off, always offers a solution instead of listening, or criticizes them for feeling a certain way. It's dangerous to allow this attitude to fester, but it can quickly happen when we are not intentional about the health of our marriage.

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to speak, “What is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace,” meaning that we can choose to season our words to edify our spouse and strengthen our marriage. Withholding and choosing to harbor emotions only leads to bitterness and resentment.

Encouragement: Begin each day with a few words of appreciation for each other, rekindling the habit of sharing your heart openly.

Let’s pray: Lord, help us to open our hearts to each other and communicate honestly and openly. Soften our hearts and guide our words with love and understanding.