In our reading, we came across these “10 Biblical Rules for a Happy Marriage” by Steve Arteburn (of New Life Ministries). The rules that God inspired Steve to write are so practical and powerful. So, this week we’re going to give you 5 of the rules with the corresponding scriptures (along with some comments of our own). And next week we’ll discuss the other 5 rules for a Happy Marriage.

Please share these with your spouse and take some time to discuss them with each other. We hope you’ll even adopt them for your own use in your own marriage as we have.

1. NEVER BRING UP MISTAKES OF THE PAST. (A good rule in working out differences is to refrain from being “hysterical” and “historical” with each other as we work through those differences in our marriages.) “Stop criticizing others or it will come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

2. NEGLECT THE WHOLE WORLD RATHER THAN EACH OTHER. “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?” (Mark 8:36)

3. NEVER GO TO SLEEP WITH AN ARGUMENT UNSETTLED. (There may be times that you agree to re-approach a certain difference the next day because you just aren’t able to resolve it at the present time. But don’t go to bed stewing in anger about it either. Agree to leave the situation alone for the night and pick it up the next day to work through it with a fresher approach. This has helped us work through many difficult barriers we’ve encountered. But keep in mind that every couple is different and every situation is different. Find what works for you in a healthy way.

A wonderful tradition we’ve adopted in our own marriage is that at the beginning of each day, we pray with and for each other. It’s almost impossible to stay mad when you’re praying together. Some couples we know pray each night with each other before they go to sleep. Again, staying angry doesn’t seem to happen too often when you’re holding each other’s hands praying for one another. “And don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Ephesians 4:26)

4. AT LEAST ONCE A DAY, SAY SOMETHING COMPLIMENTARY TO YOUR SPOUSE. “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

5. NEVER MEET WITHOUT AN AFFECTIONATE WELCOME. (This is by far my [Steve Wright's] favorite “rule” for a happy marriage. Remember our idea for the “22 Minute Date” a few weeks ago? Well, this one’s even better. It’s the 10 second kiss. It’s a great way to leave the house in the morning and to come home in the evening. Also, I wouldn’t want to be guilty of disobeying God’s word.) See what Solomon says here: “Kiss me again and again, your love is sweeter than wine.” (Song of Solomon 1:2) Do yourself a favor. Try the 10 second kiss tomorrow.

Next week we’ll share the next 5 “Rules for A Happy Marriage” from Steve Arterburn. In the meantime, if you’d like to see what other resources are available through New Life Ministries; visit their web site at www.newlife.com

Our love and prayers are continually with you. We count each one of you as precious friend in Christ. We pray your marriages will continue to grow all the more healthy and loving with each passing day, and that you’ll see the gift God has given you in each other, and not take it for granted. May the Lord bless you abundantly as we work together to improve our marriages to be a loving reflection of the heart of God.

In Christ’s Service Together,
Steve and Cindy Wright