To be human is to struggle with unhealthy patterns of relating. The Bible calls it “sin.” Those of us who are married know how frequently our selfishness gets in the way of spiritual, emotional, and relational health.

Here are a few ways to continue the journey towards a healthy marriage. None of us ever completely arrive this side of heaven. However, here are some of the commitments made by those pursuing a healthy marriage:

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by intentionally pursuing together and individually our relationship with God.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by loving each other faithfully and fervently from the heart.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by worshiping, serving and pursuing community together in the context of a local church in the city in which we live.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by ensuring that we embrace God’s purpose for our marriage – Gospel Reenactment… to prepare our spouse for their future glory self and for that moment when they will be presented faultless and with great joy as part of the bride of the perfect bridegroom.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by communicating clearly, honestly, and graciously as we work to resolve our conflicts.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by building healthy patterns of relating to each other’s family.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by praying and working to expand the kingdom of God by having and nurturing our own children in the Lord.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by reserving and pursuing the expression of our sexuality with our spouse alone.

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by living out biblical principles of stewardship (treasure, time, and talents).

We will cultivate a healthy marriage by remaining unified in our decisions.