How To Make Your Marriage Work

By Faith Oyedepo – Dear Reader, welcome to this great month. Do you know it is possible to smile with a sense of fulfilment, during your sixtieth wedding anniversary because you know you have gotten it right in marriage? Your marriage can be steady and strong. It can be an example for others to follow, if you know the secret of making it work.

Marriage can be likened to gold and like most precious ornaments, one must invest time and resources to secure it and fashion it into a jewel of inestimable value. Today, many in the family of God have found the key to a fulfilled marital life; you too can join the league by applying God’s principle of marriage. That is why, this month, I will be sharing with you some Success Secrets for a Fulfilled Marriage.

To derive joy in marriage, you must accept that you are the major player in your home; hence, you must strive to be diligent and work at it. The Bible says: By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through (Ecclesiastes 10:18). There is no prize for the slothful! Part of the diligent work required in marriage involves taking particular care of some specifics that serves as “grease” to a blissful home.

Just as grease is to an engine or a nut, there are some seemingly little things that lubricate the home, thereby creating an environment of love, peace and joy. However, these things maybe very minor yet are mostly ignored. For instance, the words: “I’m sorry”, “Thank you” and “I love you” are very short and simple words, but are powerful in our everyday life and they must not be forgotten. Instead, they must be said every time they are needed. Forgetting these simple and very important words can cause a lot of disorder in your relationship.

Also, you must learn to say “Sorry” every time you make a mistake and “Thank you” for simple things done for you by your spouse. The best words that must be said every day is “I love you”. These words when often used at home, could make the relationship grow stronger and deeper. To further understand success secrets for a fulfilled marriage, this week, I will be looking at the word, “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry” are two short words that can make big improvements in any marriage. By these short powerful words, our marriages and homes will be more pleasant and peaceful. Offences are bound to occur between a man and his wife, but it is not wise for any partner to just overlook things whenever one is hurt by the other person. Always admit when you make mistakes. The Bible says: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again… (Proverbs 24:16). We understand that because we are human, we might offend one another from time to time. However, the moment the husband or wife, sincerely say the words, “I’m sorry,” it brings healing and begins to soothe the emotional wounds.

The word “I’m sorry” is a powerful healing balm that can be placed over hurt and wounded feelings. It works like fire! So, don’t be hesitant or too proud to ask for forgiveness from your spouse or family members any time you are wrong. The Bible says, if you humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, He will lift you (1 Peter 5:6).

Some people find it difficult to apologise to their wives, children or family members whom they had offended. God’s Word says: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Whenever you go wrong, admit it to the person and refuse to do it again, then God’s mercy and favour will be made available to you. It is pride that brought the devil from such a high place with God to the lowest pit of hell. Remember, pride goes before a fall, so don’t let pride make you refuse to apologise any time you are wrong. Failure to admit your mistakes before your spouse is an obstacle to intimacy in marriage. You must cultivate the habit of apologising from your heart when you are wrong. Say, “I’m sorry”, and mean it. When apologising, you should avoid the word “but” because it can kill your apology. To your spouse’s ears, “I’m sorry but…” translates to “I’m not really sorry, and I am just saying I’m sorry for the sake of saying it.” Stop shifting blames; accept your fault each time you are wrong!

God has given you this vital secret to create an atmosphere of peace in your home, go forth and enjoy it, in Jesus’ name! If you are not born again, you are not entitled to the peaceful married life God has reserved for His children. However, God’s grace of salvation is extended to you right now. You become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of your life. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.