Happiness in Marriage
 

by Bill Hall

The marriage relationship can bring great happiness, joy and peace: "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtained favor of the Lord" (Prov. 18:22); or it can result in supreme misery, sorrow, and turmoil: "It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house" (Prov. 21:9). What steps can one take to insure happiness in his own marriage?

1. Select carefully. A good marriage begins with a good companion. The young person who is seriously considering marriage must be concerned with the following questions: Is this person mature? Is he kind and unselfish? Is he the kind of man that I want to influence my children? Will he help me to go to heaven? Above all, is he a faithful Christian? A failure to consider such questions could lead to misery, for love alone will not make a happy marriage.

2. Forget divorce. Marriage is not a "trial and error" proposition. It is for life. The vows which are ex-changed say, "So long as we both shall live." Jesus gives only one cause for divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19:9), and this cause should never exist where two Christians are married. Divorce is just not the   answer. Problems will arise, but they must be solved through a mature respect for one another and for God and His word.

3. Keep chasing. So much effort is given to wooing before marriage , that the "let-up" in such activities after marriage may result in a considerable "let-down" for the companion. Men should continue bringing in those little surprises all along; women should remember to prepare those favorite dishes for their husbands. A little thoughtfulness can do wonders for a marriage.

4. Love your companion. "I just don't love him any more" is probably the most immature statement one's lips can utter. "Husbands, love your wives. .." (Eph. 5:25) "That they may teach the young women...to love their husbands. " (Titus 2:4) Real love (and maturity) accepts the faults of others and adjusts to them.

5. Pray. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) Peter speaks of the husband and wife "as being heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Pet. 3:7). They begin life together, live together, serve God together, die together, and become heirs together.... What a beautiful life!   

 

 

Other Articles by Bill Hall

Attitudes Towards the Weak
Two Men Disagree With the Preacher
Young Lady Marry A Christian
No Fleshly Incentives
A Godly Man in Wicked Surroundings
Truth's Consequences