Building Stronger Marriages By Pst. Joseph Ondu

Building Stronger Marriages

Today I want to talk to you about the importance of building stronger marriages—marriages that are rooted in love, strengthened by faith, and sustained by the grace of God.

In the book of Genesis, chapter 2, verse 24, we find these words: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

These words remind us that marriage is a sacred union—a union that is not to be entered into lightly, but with reverence and commitment. It is a union that is ordained by God, a union that reflects the love and the unity of the Trinity itself.

But building a strong marriage is not always easy. It requires effort, commitment, and sacrifice. It requires a willingness to put the needs of our spouse above our own, to love them unconditionally, and to forgive them freely.

But it also requires a foundation of faith—a faith that is grounded in the knowledge that God is the author of our marriage, and that he is with us always, guiding us, strengthening us, and helping us to overcome any obstacle that may come our way.

So how do we build stronger marriages? How do we create relationships that are filled with love, joy, and fulfillment?

First and foremost, we must prioritize our relationship with God. We must seek him first in all things, knowing that when we put him at the center of our lives, everything else will fall into place. As it says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Secondly, we must prioritize our relationship with our spouse. We must make time for each other, even in the midst of our busy lives. We must communicate openly and honestly, sharing our thoughts, our feelings, and our

dreams with one another.

Thirdly, we must practice love and forgiveness. As it says in Colossians 3:13, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." In marriage, there will inevitably be times when we hurt or disappoint one another, but if we are quick to forgive and slow to anger, our love will only grow stronger.

Fourthly, we must be willing to make sacrifices for one another. As it says in Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." True love is selfless and sacrificial, and when we are willing to lay down our lives for one another, our marriage will be blessed and strengthened.

Finally, we must pray together as a couple. Prayer is a powerful tool for building intimacy and unity in marriage. When we pray together, we invite God into our relationship, asking for his guidance, his wisdom, and his blessing.

In Summary here are other ways to build stronger marriages:

1. Prioritize God in Your Marriage: Make God the foundation of your marriage. Put Him at the center of your relationship, seek His guidance, and pray together regularly.

2. Effective Communication: Practice open, honest, and respectful communication with your spouse. Listen actively, express your thoughts and feelings clearly, and be willing to compromise.

3. Quality Time Together: Make time for each other regularly. Schedule date nights, take walks, or simply spend time talking and connecting with each other.

4. Show Love and Affection: Express your love and affection for your spouse regularly. Small gestures like hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation can strengthen your bond.

5. Practice Forgiveness: Be quick to forgive and slow to anger. Let go of past hurts and resentments and focus on moving forward with love and compassion.

6. Support Each Other's Dreams: Encourage and support each other's goals and aspirations. Celebrate each other's successes and be there to provide comfort and encouragement during challenging times.

7. Work as a Team: Approach challenges and decisions as a team. Collaborate, compromise, and support each other as you navigate life's ups and downs together.

8. Maintain Intimacy: Physical intimacy is an important aspect of marriage. Make time for physical affection, intimacy, and connection with your spouse.

9. Share Responsibilities: Divide household chores and responsibilities fairly. Work together as a team to create a home environment that is peaceful and supportive.

10. Continue to Grow Together: Commit to personal growth and development individually and as a couple. Attend marriage seminars, read books together, and seek counseling if needed to strengthen your marriage.

So let us commit ourselves to building stronger marriages—marriages that are rooted in love, strengthened by faith, and sustained by the grace of God. And let us trust that with God's help, our marriages can weather any storm and grow even stronger with each passing day. Amen.

For partnership

+254722798889

fffckenya@gmail.com