5 Non-negotiables every Christian marriage should have

Marriage is a beautiful journey, filled with joys, challenges, and countless opportunities to grow together. For Christian couples, building a godly marriage means rooting your relationship in principles that honor God and strengthen your bond. Here are five non-negotiables every godly Christian marriage should have:

1. Faith in God

The cornerstone of any godly marriage is a shared faith in God. This means prioritising your relationship with Him and making Him the centre of your union. Imagine your marriage as a house—without a strong foundation, the structure won’t stand. Psalm 127:1 reminds us, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain." By seeking God's guidance and keeping Him at the heart of your marriage, you're laying a foundation that can withstand any storm.

2. Prayer

Prayer is like the glue that binds everything together. It's more than just a routine; it’s a lifeline. Regularly praying together not only invites God's presence into your lives but also strengthens your spiritual bond as a couple. Whether it's a quick morning prayer before starting the day, a heartfelt conversation with God before bed, or even a spontaneous prayer in times of need, these moments of connection can make a world of difference. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us, "Pray continually."

3. Love and Respect

At the core of every thriving marriage is the dynamic duo of love and respect. These aren’t just fleeting emotions; they are daily choices and actions. Ephesians 5:33 provides clear guidance: "Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Loving your spouse means cherishing them, valuing their presence, and supporting them through thick and thin. Respect, on the other hand, involves honoring their opinions, appreciating their efforts, and treating them with kindness.

4. Forgiveness

Let’s face it—no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, and sometimes, those mistakes can hurt the ones we love most. That’s where forgiveness comes in. It’s about letting go of grudges, offering grace, and moving forward with a renewed commitment to each other. Colossians 3:13 reminds us, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Practicing forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for a healthy and godly marriage.

5. Commitment

Marriage is a covenant, a sacred promise to stand by each other through all seasons of life. This commitment means choosing each other every day, even when times get tough. It’s about being there for one another, supporting each other’s dreams, and building a life together that honours God. Mark 10:9 says, "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." This kind of unwavering dedication helps couples navigate the ups and downs of life, knowing they have a partner who is fully committed.

Putting It All Together

Building a godly marriage is a beautiful, ongoing journey. It requires intentionality, love, and a shared commitment to honour God in everything you do. By embracing these non-negotiables—faith in God, prayer, love and respect, forgiveness, and commitment—you create a strong foundation that not only sustains your marriage but also brings joy and fulfilment.

Remember, no marriage is perfect, and that's okay. The goal is to grow together, learn from each other, and continually strive to be better partners. So, take these principles to heart and let them guide you as you build a marriage that truly reflects God's love and grace.

Here’s to nurturing a Christ-centred marriage that stands the test of time, filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. 💕🙏💍