“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Marriage is one of the most significant relationships we can invest in. But like anything worthwhile, it doesn’t come easily. Marriage takes work!
Maybe you’re ready to put in the work, but you’re not sure what kind of work your marriage needs. Maybe you know what your marriage needs but you don’t know how to make it happen. No matter where you are or where your marriage is, you’ve come to the right place! These strategies will help you and your spouse grow closer and continue to build a thriving relationship together:
1. Learn together
One of the best ways to invest in your marriage is by learning and growing together. Whether through podcasts, books, or devotionals, exploring ideas as a couple can spark meaningful conversations and strengthen your bond.
Listen to a podcast
There's nothing easier than turning on a podcast! Whether you listen on your morning commute or during a date night, podcasts are a simple, free way to learn and grow together. Consider starting with these:
Read a book together
A great book can provide insight, tools, and inspiration for your marriage. We’d recommend starting with one of these:
We also compiled this list of books with valuable insights that apply to any kind of relationship – marriage and more! Check it out.
Start a Bible Reading Plan
If you’re not already reading the Bible together, we can’t recommend it enough! Growing in your faith as a couple is a deeply impactful way to strengthen your connection, because you’re keeping it rooted in God. Daily devotionals or Bible reading plans can help you cultivate spiritual intimacy, helping you grow closer to God and each other. Try one of these to get started:
2. Get away
Breaking free from your routine can be a game-changer for your marriage. A change of scenery can open you both up to new conversations and experiences because it allows you to step away from everyday routines and distractions.
Attend a marriage conference
Don’t knock it til you try it! A marriage conference is a great place to download information that will help you and your spouse build a stronger marriage together. You’ll be in a focused environment away from everyday distractions – perfect for reconnecting with each other! Try one of these:
Plan a getaway together
Even a simple overnight trip can give you time to reconnect, dream together, and reset. Whether it’s a cozy bed-and-breakfast, a local retreat, or just exploring a new city, intentional time away is always worth it! (If a full-on getaway isn’t in the budget, even going to the next town over or doing a staycation can help you hit reset on your day-to-day!)
3. Seek outside perspective
Sometimes, strengthening your marriage means inviting someone else to help you see things clearly and work through your challenges. Even two people can become isolated together, and a fresh perspective can give you some valuable clarity!
Try counseling
Just as we seek out professionals for car repairs or plumbing issues, reaching out to a counselor can provide valuable insight and tools for your relationship. Counseling helps couples:
LCBC offers a list of trusted counselors to help you take the next step. Find a counselor near you today!
Get on the same page financially
Money is one of the biggest stressors in marriage, but with the right tools, you can say good-bye to money stress and the tension that often comes with it. At LCBC, we offer resources like:
- Financial Coach Ministry, trusted volunteers who can guide you in reorganizing your budget, building trust, and achieving financial stability.
4. Have fun together
Marriage isn’t all about hard work. Laughter and fun are equally important! Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Planning time for fun and joy can help you reconnect and navigate life’s challenges together.
Date nights
Do you ever miss the fun, swoony, honeymoon phase of your relationship? It might not be as elusive these days as you think. The key is to set aside regular time for dates.
They don’t have to be elaborate – think dinner out, a coffee shop visit, or even a walk on your local trail. Just do something intentional, just the two of you, that will remind you why you like spending time together!
Everyday fun
Create moments of connection in your daily life, like running errands together, dreaming about home projects, or dancing in the kitchen. Fun doesn’t have to wait for special occasions – it’s something you can create every day.
You can build a stronger marriage
Strengthening your marriage is all about intentionality. Whether you start with one tool or try them all, every step you take is an investment in your relationship. God’s design for marriage is for couples to work together, leaning on his strength to build a relationship that lasts.
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
Your marriage is worth it. Start building a stronger, more connected relationship today.
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A great place to start working toward a stronger marriage is the Bible! Check out this Bible reading plan designed to help you and your spouse grow closer together in a week.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!