Relationship Goals Ep. 3: “Strengthen Your Marriage: Biblical Relationship Goals for a Healthy Life”

January 6, 2025 Brian Jones

Marriage is one of the oldest and most significant relationships in human history. Even before friendships, sibling bonds, or parent-child dynamics, the relationship between husband and wife was established by God as a cornerstone of human connection. But marriage isn’t just about companionship—it’s about growth, faith, and legacy. How can couples foster a marriage that reflects these deeper purposes? Click the video link above for the full message.

This article explores key principles that can strengthen and sustain a marriage, offering practical insights based on timeless Biblical wisdom. Whether you’re newly married, considering marriage, or in the middle of a challenging season, these principles can serve as a guide for a healthier, God-centered relationship.

Marriage as a Gift to Be Cherished

Marriage isn’t merely a societal institution or a legal contract. It’s a gift from God, designed to offer companionship, emotional support, and spiritual encouragement. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the value of partnership: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Beyond emotional connection, marriage provides a sense of partnership in every area of life—whether in raising a family, pursuing careers, or navigating life’s hardships. When couples view marriage as a gift, they are more likely to approach it with gratitude and care, making it easier to nurture and sustain the relationship over time.

How to Recognize the Gift of Marriage Daily:

Spend intentional time together, whether through shared activities or quiet moments of connection.
Express gratitude for your spouse’s unique qualities and contributions to your life.
Pray together, seeking God’s guidance and blessing on your relationship.

Understanding the Purpose of Marriage

Why did God create marriage? Beyond companionship, marriage serves a larger spiritual purpose. It’s meant to reflect Christ’s relationship with the church, a relationship characterized by unconditional love, sacrifice, and grace. Ephesians 5:25 reminds us: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Marriage also plays a vital role in raising the next generation. Genesis 1:28 encourages couples to “be fruitful and increase in number.” While not every couple may have children, those who do are given the responsibility to raise them in a way that honors God. This aspect of marriage points to its role in creating a lasting legacy, one that shapes future generations and strengthens communities.

Practical Ways to Fulfill the Purpose of Marriage:

Lead by example in showing Christ-like love and forgiveness.
Prioritize family time and shared spiritual practices, such as prayer and Bible study.
Support each other in fulfilling personal callings and goals, always with a heart of service.

The Unique Abilities of Marriage

Marriage is more than just a union; it’s a place of growth. It has a unique ability to teach couples valuable lessons about patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Through daily interactions, spouses learn how to practice the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, gentleness, and self-control.

Marriage also provides a built-in opportunity to model Christ-like love to the world. When others see a strong, loving marriage, they witness a real-life example of God’s grace and commitment.

Key Abilities Marriage Teaches:

Patience and Grace: Living with another person inevitably brings challenges, but these moments are opportunities to practice patience and extend grace.
Forgiveness: No relationship is perfect, and forgiveness is essential for long-term success.
Joy and Delight: Proverbs 5:18-19 reminds couples to rejoice in one another and celebrate the joy of their relationship.

Protecting the Life of Your Marriage

Marriage creates something new: a life shared by two people who have become one. Genesis 2:24 speaks of this unity, saying, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” This bond is sacred and worth protecting at all costs.

Just as parents would fight for the life of their child, couples should be willing to fight for the life of their marriage. Marriage isn’t always easy, and there will be seasons of difficulty. However, the life of a marriage is sustained by commitment, effort, and prayer.

Ways to Protect and Strengthen Your Marriage:

• Communicate openly and often: Regular, honest communication helps prevent misunderstandings and builds trust.

• Seek help when needed: Whether through counseling, mentorship, or pastoral support, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• Make time for each other: Busy schedules can pull couples apart, but prioritizing time together keeps the relationship strong.

Honoring the Sanctity of Marriage

Marriage is a sacred covenant, not just between two people but also before God. The Bible often describes the relationship between Christ and the church as a marriage, emphasizing its holy nature. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus says, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”

This covenantal aspect of marriage means that couples are called to honor their commitment, even when times get tough. It’s not about staying married only when things are easy but about remaining faithful to the covenant, trusting God to sustain and strengthen the relationship.

How to Uphold the Sanctity of Marriage:

Regularly remind yourself of the vows you made and the commitment you share.
Surround yourself with a supportive community that values marriage and offers encouragement.
Stay connected to God through personal and shared spiritual practices.

Call to Action: Building a Stronger Marriage

If you’re married, consider how you can begin applying these principles today. Think about how you can cherish your spouse more deeply, fulfill God’s purpose in your marriage, and protect the life you’ve built together. If you’re not married but hope to be one day, start preparing now by developing the character traits that will serve you well in a future relationship.

Marriage is hard work, but it’s also one of life’s greatest blessings. With God at the center, couples can experience a relationship that not only lasts but thrives.

The Hills Community Church