If you follow these 7 biblical principles, your relationship will flourish

Enhancing your relationship may seem like a formidable task, but a powerful tool is at your disposal: the Bible.

The Bible holds within its pages 7 key principles, that when followed can lead to a flourishing relationship.

These principles are drawn from the wisdom of various biblical characters and their experiences, offering you a roadmap to a stronger bond with your partner.

In this article, we will delve into these biblical principles, exploring their meaning, importance, and how they can be applied to enrich your relationship.

1. Love your partner as yourself

Biblical principle number one focuses on selfless love.

This love is encapsulated in the Golden Rule found in Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”

This principle calls for empathy, understanding, and respect in a relationship. It requires you to consider your partner’s feelings, needs, and desires as equally important as your own.

Selfless love doesn’t mean losing your identity or always putting your needs last. Instead, it’s about striving for balance and mutual respect.

It’s about treating your partner with the same kindness, patience, and understanding that you wish to receive.

Embodying this principle can lead to deeper connection, mutual respect, and overall relationship satisfaction. However, remember that it’s a journey of growth and learning for both parties involved.

2. Practice forgiveness

In Ephesians 4:32, the Bible states:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness is a powerful act that allows relationships to heal and grow. It’s about letting go of resentment and anger, offering a chance for reconciliation. Yet, it’s often easier said than done.

To practice forgiveness, consider these steps:

• Acknowledge the hurt: Accept your feelings and admit that you’ve been hurt.
• Choose to forgive: Make a conscious decision to forgive your partner.
• Release the hurt: Let go of resentment and negative emotions.
• Learn and grow: Use the experience as an opportunity for personal growth.

Remember, forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or condoning the action. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment.

It’s a journey toward healing, peace, and a stronger relationship.

3. Encourage and support each other

Weaving into our third biblical principle, we find the importance of encouragement and support.

As stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”.

While forgiveness allows healing from past hurts, encouragement fuels growth and positive change. It’s about being your partner’s cheerleader, believing in their capabilities, and standing by them through ups and downs.

However, this doesn’t mean blind support for every action or decision your partner makes.

Genuine support sometimes means challenging your partner and helping them see what they might not see themselves. It’s about fostering growth, not complacency.

This principle calls for balance – between cheering for your partner’s victories and helping them navigate their challenges.

That way, you can create a safe space for both of you to grow individually and as a couple.

4. Prioritize communication

Have you ever felt misunderstood or overlooked in a conversation?

Well, effective communication is the fourth biblical principle, critical for any flourishing relationship. Referenced in James 1:19, it advises everyone to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Good communication is about more than just talking. It’s about actively listening, understanding, and responding to your partner.

When communication is prioritized, misunderstandings are reduced, conflicts are resolved more effectively, and the bond between partners is strengthened.

You learn more about each other – your dreams, fears, joys, and challenges.

Effective communication fosters trust, intimacy, and mutual understanding. It’s the bridge that connects two individuals and transforms them into a united team.

5. Foster trust and loyalty

Building from effective communication, the fifth biblical principle involves establishing trust and loyalty.

These virtues are emphasized in Proverbs 3:3 which it states, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you…”

Trust is the bedrock of any relationship. It’s the confidence in your partner’s honesty, integrity, and reliability. Loyalty, on the other hand, is unwavering commitment and dedication to your partner.

Together, trust and loyalty create a secure environment where love can flourish. They show your partner that they can count on you, and that you’ll be there for them no matter what.

Some ways to foster trust and loyalty include:

• Being honest and transparent
• Keeping your promises
• Showing consistent behavior
• Supporting your partner in adversity

Simply put, trust and loyalty are pillars that hold a relationship together. They provide security, cultivate deep emotional connection, and reinforce commitment.

6. Show appreciation and gratitude

Let’s not overlook the power of gratitude in a relationship.

The sixth biblical principle stems from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances…”.

This is more than just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s about acknowledging and valuing your partner’s efforts, big or small.

When we show appreciation, we let our partners know that their actions matter, that they are seen, valued, and loved. It’s a simple act that can significantly strengthen the bond between two people.

So, how do we practice this principle?

It’s about noticing the little things your partner does for you. Besides, you also need to start expressing your gratitude not just through words, but also through actions.

In essence, appreciation and gratitude are about nurturing your relationship with positivity and kindness. They can help in fostering a sense of belonging and happiness in your relationship.

7. Commit to mutual growth

Here’s the big one: commitment. It’s not just about saying “I do” or being in a long-term relationship.

Commitment is about choosing your partner, every day, through the highs and the lows.

In the Bible, commitment is a recurring theme. You see it in Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, in David’s friendship with Jonathan, and of course, in God’s unwavering commitment to His people.

Commitment means standing by your partner, even when things get tough. It means working together through problems instead of walking away. It means prioritizing your relationship and making conscious efforts to nurture it.

Without commitment, no relationship can survive the test of time. So commit to your partner, commit to your relationship, and above all, commit to love.

Endnote: Love is a journey

Reflecting on relationships and the Bible, one underlying theme emerges – love.

The Bible teaches us about agape love, a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. This type of love is patient, kind, humble, and forgiving. It’s not self-seeking or easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:7-8 says, “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

That’s the kind of love we should aim for in our relationships.

Is it easy? No.

Will we stumble on our journey? Most likely.

But the beauty of it is in the trying, in the growing, in the journey itself.

These biblical principles are not just rules to abide by — they are guidelines for a fulfilling and flourishing relationship.

So let’s commit to love – to practicing patience and kindness, to forgiving and letting go, to communicating effectively and showing respect