3 Truths Behind the “Secret” to a LONG and HAPPY MARRIAGE

2.  If our marriage is going to thrive for the long haul, then we must both CHOOSE to love each other even on those days when we struggle to like each other.

My husband, Dave, says this all the time, and there is such wisdom in it.  When we’ve chatted with couples who’ve been married for 30 plus years, they all agree that marital longevity has so much to do with the choices we make every day  And, one of the most important choices we can make is to love our spouse even on those days when he/she is behaving in such a way that we don’t like.  Maybe your spouse is crabby in the morning or stressed out and moody from his/her day at work.  Or, maybe he/she hasn’t been super thoughtful lately.  Whatever “it” is, we must choose to love him/her through it.  And, when we choose to do this, it prevents the issue and frustration from escalating.

I love how Peter reminds us of the power of love in 1Peter 4:8,

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

If we want to have a long and happy marriage, this is a MUST.  It doesn’t mean that we don’t address our spouse’s sin or act like there is no issue between us when there clearly is.  It just means that we our LOVE and COMMITMENT lead the way in those tough conversations.  We choose to address the problems alongside one another and love each other through it every step of the way.

If you are struggling with this, please read “To the Spouse Who’s CHECKED OUT of the Marriage” by clicking here.