Maintaining Marital Relationship Till Death Do Us Part ! (Christian Living)

Relationship Maintenance

Let's be honest. No one wants to experience the pain and embarrassment of a broken relationship. You would much rather have things go well between yourselves and others. But good associations are not easy to maintain. In fact, it requires a diligent effort from the two people involved. As you take the necessary steps am going to share, it will help to promote the health and stability of the relationships that you have with your partner.

Talk Openly: It's very important that you freely and regularly share your thoughts and feelings with one another. When you do, it helps you to be more understanding. It gives you the ability to know each other better and to respond in the ways that you should. Don't keep things especially things that hurt you inside, you know its killing you, you know you have a partner, yet you are keep it away from him/her. Be open, talk to each other as if there is no other person to talk to (except God), with that you build a very strong relationship with your partner/spouse.

Communicate Honestly: You should be honest in everything you do and say. This makes it possible for you to trust one another, and it binds the both of you closer together. The Bible instructs us to get rid of all deceit and hypocrisy (1 Peter 2:1). And it also says that we should not lie to one another (Colossians 3:9).

Respect Each Other: Having the esteem of others is fundamental to your personal well-being. We don't feel good about ourselves unless other think that we are important. That's why friends and loved ones who care about you are so vital. They affirm your worth. When personal regard is mutually expressed, it causes the both parties to respond to one another with a warmhearted acceptance. And this acceptance is maintained as you continue to honour one another (Romans 12:10). So learn to respect each other!

Resolve Your Anger: The Bible says, “Do not Iet the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26). Our anger should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Before the day is over, you should go to the one who has offended you and clear it up. Not only will you sleep better, but problems will be handled before they have time to grow. Listen, I know this is difficult to do on your own, without God’s help it is impossible to achieve it so ask for His help and He will help you.

Be Patient: You need to overlook one another's imperfections. According to the Bible, we have to be patient, making allowances for one another's faults (Colossians 3:13). No one is excluded; all of us have flaws in our character. Instead of judging others and being critical, we should be humble and tolerant. If we are, it will help to maintain our ties with
others.

Share One Another's Problems:  Let's face it. We need each other - especially when we have problems, just as I said earlier in the first tip above. It's true that each of us has the responsibility to handle his own troubles, but there comes a time when we all need the help of a friend. In fact, the Bible tells us that we should share each other's burdens and in this way we obey the Lord's command (Galatians 6:2). When we share each other's problems, we show that we care - making our relationships much more secure.

“He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” -- George Herbert

Give Constructive Criticism: The Bible says that open rebuke is better than secret love (Proverbs 27:5). We may be reluctant to confront someone about a particular fault, but it is more loving to say something to him than to keep quiet and allow him to continue on as he/she is.  Remember, when criticizing know why you are doing so first, it is to change that person, secondly, it is to show love for that person and thirdly, it is to send a message to that person that he/she should for the benefit of the relationship. So the way you criticize matters a lot that why it is important to give constructive criticism and not a destructive criticism that will destroy your relationship. Truthful and loving criticism has as its goal the best interests of the other person.

“A smile in giving honest criticism can make the difference between resentment and reform.”  -- Philip Steinmetz

Although this kind of criticism hurts, it is the pain of friendship. By helping one another this way, we show that we really care. Through constructive criticism we become better people. And as a result, our relationships are improved. I will end this tip with this popular proverb in my Country, it says: "when your mouth smells, your enemy or even acquaintance will not tell, IT IS ONLY YOUR CLOSED FRIENDS THAT WILL! (closed friends might be your spouse, partner, some family members)"

Serve One Another: Rather than asking what we can get, we should be asking what we can give to each other. Instead of seeking to please ourselves, we should be seeking to please each other (Romans 15:2). This attitude recognizes that selfishness only ruins a relationship, but self-sacrifice builds it up. When we serve one another, our relationship is maintained
and everyone involved benefits.

Yes, these maintenance procedures are very important. If we faithfully follow them, they will help keep your marital relationship strong.

Please if you are married, tell us what you know or think can keep a marriage long till death.
We do appreciate your thoughts and questions! You can do that below!

Enoch Okon 
Citation: Radio Bible Class (RBC)