9 Ways to Cultivate 'Lifetime' Married Love - Part 1

Whether your marriage is picture perfect or marred with problems, one thing is for sure - Love that lasts for a lifetime doesn't just happen; and any of us who are married can UPGRADE our marriages. It's a choice!

For the Christian, it's a biblical choice, a choice that brings blessing.

Actually ...

A Christian 'Lifetime Marriage' is a series of daily choices wrapped around commitment and enabled by God's grace.

There are basic characteristics of a marriage that lasts.

I've observed a number of marriages over the years - some for almost 40 years - watching them for clues to their longevity. My marriage watching started long before I said my own "I do."

I traveled with a revival team, and we stayed in people's homes in each new church location. Whenever I got to know a new family, I decided to take note of what worked (and didn't work) in their Christian marriages, believing I'd walk the aisle myself someday. I felt it would be wise to learn from others' experiences - that maybe I'd make fewer marriage mistakes that way.

What I discovered were common threads woven through these "Christian Lifetime Marriages." Let me highlight the nine characteristics that influenced my own marriage the most:

1. God is first: Jesus instructed us to seek God first (Matthew 6:33), and this is instruction for every area of life, including marriage. Before husband and children and anyone else, God is in first place. He is the "glue" that holds a Christian marriage together, the source embraced for help and encouragement, the foundation for a solid relationship that creates purpose and stability.

The simple truth is, as each partner draws closer to the Lord, they are far more likely to draw closer to each other. There is strength in this.

2. Giving 100%: We are to love one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34); and His love is sacrificial.

At least one of the partners must understand the concept of total, sacrificial living and loving. It may take two to tangle, but it doesn't take two to make marriage a success. As long as one partner understands marriage is not about each partner giving 50% - but rather, total commitment - there is a good chance the marriage will survive, possibly even thrive.

When one of the spouses is an unbeliever, this can be tricky. But especially in the case of wives, a husband can be "won" (1 Peter 3:1) by his wife's behavior. (How? Surrender first to God, and He will enables you to love and respect your husband.) Giving 100% does not ever mean we must tolerate abuse, but it does mean we can consider ways to love our spouse with the love of Christ.

3. Growth and ability to adapt: Partners who stretch and grow as they "rub shoulders" with each other will contribute to a stable relationship. Growth comes as we adapt not only to changing circumstances, but also to changes in our spouse.

No one ever stays exactly the same in a relationship - people tend to change (for good or ill). We are wise if we allow our partner to flex new interests and concerns within a loving relationship. Give space for growth.

Communication is key. Be quick to "hear" (James 1:19). Take time to hear words; but don't forget to listen to your partner's heart. God may be doing a new work, giving a fresh perspective, and it's important in your relationship to "hear and understand." Ask questions. Listen and learn.

4. Granting freedom to fail: It's been said, "The friends we keep the longest are the friends who forgave us the most." There's a lot of forgiveness present in lifelong marriages. The Bible says, "bearing with one another ... forgiving one another" (Colossians 3:13), and encourages humility, gentleness and patience (Ephesians 4:2).

The wise partner forgives failings - granting grace. Don't miss the blessing of cutting your spouse some slack.

I’ve found the best approach is to glance regularly toward each other, and then gaze on Jesus!

(NOTE: This post will be continued tomorrow:  9 Ways to Cultivate 'Lifetime' Married Love - Part 2. In the meantime ... Take time to study the successful Lifetime Marriages around you.)

Do the Christian marriages you observe have all or some of these characteristics?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Ministries, is the creator of three blogs: Heart Choices Today, LOL with God (with Pam Farrel), and Upgrade with Dawn. In these ministries and as President of the San Diego chapter of Network of Evangelical Women in MInistry (NEWIM San Diego), Dawn encourages, edifies and energizes women with  scripture so they can better enjoy life, bless others and honor God. Dawn and her husband Bob have two grown, married sons and three granddaughters.