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We all recognize this text as the text for the first marriage created by God on this earth. God’s word is sure and cannot be broken and so we see today, many still trying under the blessings of God, to live to that word, “and they shall be one flesh.” As God, after He dispensed this first blessing, Genesis 1:31 “And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good”, we see that for all those married couples from that day, begin also their married life feeling the love that is also very good.

In these troublesome times for families, it is good to read advice from those that have learned from experience. Recently, a copy was handed to me of an article printed by a long married Christian couple, on how they interpreted texts from the Bible, and used them throughout their married lives, to keep that love. The article was headed Keeping Love Alive.

By Respect.  Ephesians 4:29. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Be as polite to each other and to your children as you would be to your friends and guests. Talk as politely in the home as you do outside the home. No put downs. We always remembered the high respect God has for His people and were constantly aware of the text so we always tried to measure our words. Often one party seemed to be paying more attention to things like the car or the house, and it was always very easy to flare up, but we soon realized that it was better to ask each other “Could we please talk?” and adjust these things to then suit our marriage. Over the years, handling our children without put-downs, challenged our pride, but by relying on the Holy Spirit to remind us of the words of the text. We learned to be as polite to our children as to our friends, yet we were firm when necessary.

Romance.  Ecclesiastes 4:12. “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Never let romance go out of your marriage. Say “I love you” every day. Go on dates. Whatever adds sparkle to your way of showing romance, do it all the years of your life together. Dining by candle light, walking hand in hand, notes in lunch boxes, under pillows or on the mirrors. Staying at the table to talk. Praying at all times together. Embracing, always remembering it is a three-way embrace, the Lord Jesus and us. As we grew older, we were often reminded by our children “Mum and Dad, it’s been a long time since you had a date.” This is proof that romance was still showing.

Forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”.

Never go to bed unhappy with each other. Be the first to say sorry. Suggest early “Let us pray about it.” The old saying “Love is never having to say I’m sorry”, is O.K. but it is worthless. If we recognize we will offend, even though we don’t want to and that we can ask and give forgiveness, then our relationship becomes more relaxed. We did spend a few sleepless nights coming to grips with our differences, but came to the conclusion, it is better to have a few sleepless nights, then many nights with no mate to sleep with years later. To have the rule of forgiveness along side the rule of respect: for us, has resulted in a very satisfying marriage. By now it will be easy to see our happiness is based on our faith in Jesus Christ. Through His forgiveness and love, we are set free to really love each other. He is our example. He then becomes the Head of your home and the secret to keeping love alive in your marriage.

It is hoped this will be some help to ALL families.