5 Ways to Make Your Marriage a Priority

Marriage is a beautiful gift God gives humanity, but it is our responsibility to nurture it to keep it sustainable. Here are five ways to prioritize your marriage and build a stronger relationship with your spouse.

1. Understand Your Spouse Comes First

When you marry, the Bible says that you “become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This means that your spouse comes first before anyone, even your children. Your spouse is your best friend, advocate, confidant, and the one who will be with you for life. Acknowledging that they come first says a lot about you.  This makes a huge difference in your marriage because are on the same page and hold each other in high esteem.

2. Show Your Appreciation

Another way to prioritize your marriage is to show your spouse appreciation. A great tip is for you to know their love language that Gary Chapman talks about in his book, The 5 Love Languages (check out What Are the Five Love Languages?). Once you have identified their love language show them gratitude in that form. For example, if your spouse enjoys quality time, give them quality time. If your spouse needs words of affirmation, give them the kind words and affirmation they need. This will enrich your marriage, and they will feel appreciated.

3. Pray for Your Spouse

You need to be praying for one another, especially your spouse. Pray for their strength and their protection of mind, soul, body, and spirit. Declare blessings over them and pray for them before you start your day. Also, it would be beneficial to spend time in prayer together. If you don’t know where to start, here are 5 Specific Ways to Pray for Your Spouse.

4. Make Time for Each Other (Date Nights)

Spending quality time is key in any relationship. In marriage, you need to purposefully make time and schedule regular date nights. This can be as simple as getting coffee or taking a walk in the park, but plan a date night. Sometimes it’s inevitable because you have other responsibilities, but don’t allow other things to become more important than your spouse.

5. Create Goals Together

It’s important to sit down and create goals together. Discuss and write down specific financial, spiritual, personal, and future goals. Marriage is not only about enjoying each other’s company, but also about growing together. Ecclesiastes 4:9states that “Two are better than one” and truthfully, teamwork is a key component in every successful marriage. The best marriages prioritize each other’s goals and dreams. If you can do this, you will have a happy and healthy marriage.

Marriage is a beautiful union that you need to prioritize. This is not a one-day event, but a life journey you can both grow and enjoy.