8 habits of Christian couples who stay happily married

Having a happy, long-lasting marriage isn’t just about luck. It’s about intentionally cultivating habits that nurture love and mutual respect.

As a Christian, your faith offers a powerful framework for creating such a marriage. But what exactly are these habits that keep Christian couples happily married for decades?

In this article, I’m going to share with you 8 habits that thriving Christian couples have in common. These simple practices, deeply rooted in faith and love, could be the difference between a marriage that merely survives and one that truly thrives.

So if you’re aspiring for marital bliss or seeking to strengthen your partnership, stick around. You might just find the inspiration you need.

1) Praying together

Prayer is an integral part of the Christian faith, and it’s no less significant in a marriage.

Successful Christian couples understand this. They make prayer a regular part of their daily life together.

It’s not just about praying for each other, although that’s undoubtedly important. It’s also about praying with each other, seeking God’s guidance, expressing gratitude, and sharing their deepest hopes and fears.

This joint spiritual journey fosters a profound sense of connection between the couple. It forms a bond that strengthens their relationship and helps them navigate the ups and downs of life.

It’s a beautiful habit that keeps these couples grounded in their faith and united in their marriage. If you’re looking to fortify your own relationship, consider making shared prayer a part of your everyday routine.

Remember, it’s not just about the act of praying itself; it’s about creating a space for mutual vulnerability and trust.

2) Regular communication

I have a friend, a wonderful Christian woman, who has been happily married for over three decades. I once asked her the secret to her lasting marriage.

“Communication,” she told me. “We talk about everything.”

And she wasn’t exaggerating. They discuss the big things and the little things. Their hopes, their fears, their joys, and their frustrations. Nothing is off-limits.

This resonated deeply with me. In my own marriage, I’ve noticed that regular and honest communication strengthens our bond. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Talking through our problems rather than sweeping them under the rug has helped us navigate through tough times. Sharing our dreams and aspirations keeps us connected and in sync with each other’s life paths.

As simple as it sounds, consistent communication is a habit that can truly transform your marriage. So next time you feel like something is bothering you or there’s something important on your mind, take the time to sit down and talk about it with your partner. You might be surprised at how much it can help.

3) Prioritizing quality time

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to spend quality time with your spouse. But did you know that spending regular, uninterrupted time together can significantly enhance marital satisfaction?

Research from the National Marriage Project found that couples who spent “couple time” together at least once a week were 3.5 times more likely to report being very happy in their relationship compared to those who spent less time together.

Christian couples who stay happily married understand the power of quality time. They intentionally carve out moments from their busy schedules to connect with each other – be it a regular dinner date, a quiet walk in the park, or just a simple night in watching a favorite movie.

It’s not about how much time you spend together, but the quality of that time. It’s about being present, engaged, and genuinely interested in each other. That’s what fosters connection and intimacy, and keeps the love alive.

4) Practicing forgiveness

The Bible is clear about the importance of forgiveness, and it’s a principle that successful Christian couples incorporate into their marriages.

No one is perfect, and in any long-term relationship, there will be times when one partner hurts the other, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

The ability to forgive each other, to let go of grudges and resentment, is crucial for a healthy, lasting marriage. It’s not always easy, but practicing forgiveness can allow couples to move past their conflicts and focus on their shared love.

By choosing forgiveness, these couples are choosing peace over strife, love over anger, and unity over division. This habit not only aligns with their Christian faith but also fosters a more loving and harmonious marriage.

5) Cherishing each other

Have you ever stopped to truly appreciate your spouse? Not just for what they do, but for who they are?

Christian couples who enjoy a lasting, happy marriage understand the power of cherishing – of seeing their spouse as a unique and invaluable gift from God.

They don’t take each other for granted. Instead, they make a conscious effort to appreciate and value each other every single day. They see the beauty in their partner’s soul, acknowledge their strengths, and love them despite their weaknesses.

This heartfelt habit is about more than just words; it’s reflected in their actions and attitudes. It means showing kindness, respect, and love consistently. It means making your partner feel valued and cherished in even the smallest ways.

Cherishing your spouse can bring a deeper sense of love, intimacy, and happiness into your marriage. It’s a habit that keeps the heart of the relationship beating strong.

6) Supporting each other’s dreams

When my husband and I first got married, we had dreams. Some were shared, like starting a family and buying a home. Others were more individual, like my dream to start my own business or his dream to complete a triathlon.

Over the years, we’ve learned that one of the keys to our happiness is supporting each other’s dreams. We cheer each other on, provide a listening ear when needed, and help out practically where we can.

This mutual support has not only brought us closer but also helped us grow as individuals. It’s shown us that our marriage is not just about ‘us’ as a couple, but about ‘us’ as two individuals who want the best for each other.

Supporting your spouse’s dreams can be a powerful way to show your love and commitment. It communicates that you value their happiness and personal growth as much as your own, and it can bring a deeper level of fulfillment and satisfaction to your marriage.

7) Maintaining a sense of humor

Life can be tough. It can throw curveballs that test your patience, faith, and even your marriage. But one thing that can help lighten the load is maintaining a sense of humor.

Christian couples who stay happily married know the importance of laughter. They don’t take themselves too seriously and are quick to find humor in their everyday lives. They laugh together, creating joyful memories that strengthen their bond.

Laughter can be a powerful antidote to stress and conflict. It can diffuse tension, lighten the mood, and remind you not to sweat the small stuff.

So next time you’re faced with a challenging situation, try to find the humor in it. A shared laugh might just be the perfect remedy to keep your relationship strong and happy.

8) Keeping God at the center

At the heart of every thriving Christian marriage is the unwavering commitment to keep God at the center. This is the cornerstone habit that supports all others.

These couples understand that their marriage is not just a union between two people, but a covenant with God. They seek His guidance in their decisions, lean on Him in times of trouble, and thank Him for their blessings.

Keeping God at the center means living out your faith together, serving others, and striving to reflect His love in your relationship.

This spiritual focus provides a firm foundation for their marriage. It guides them, unites them, and helps them weather life’s storms together. It’s the compass that keeps them moving in the right direction, towards a marriage filled with love, joy, and mutual respect.

In essence: It’s about love and faith

The core of every lasting and happy Christian marriage often boils down to two fundamental elements: love and faith.

Love, as beautifully described in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, is patient, kind, not envious or boastful. It’s not proud, dishonorable, self-seeking or easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.

Faith is the unwavering trust in God’s promises, the resilient belief in His love and guidance. As described in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

When these habits are practiced consistently – praying together, communicating regularly, prioritizing quality time, practicing forgiveness, cherishing each other, supporting each other’s dreams, maintaining a sense of humor and keeping God at the center – they form a strong foundation for a joyful and enduring marriage.

These habits are not just behaviors. They reflect a deep commitment to love and faith. A commitment that can help a marriage not just survive but thrive in the beautiful journey that marriage is meant to be. Each habit provides a pathway towards a stronger bond and deeper connection with your spouse.

It’s these habits that make Christian marriages more than just relationships; they make them sacred unions that reflect God’s love. So as you reflect on these habits, consider how they might fit into your own relationship. How they might strengthen your bond with your spouse and bring you both closer to God. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about love and faith.