Ivan and Marcia’s 3 Keys to a Great Marriage

Ivan and Marcia’s 3 Keys to a Great Marriage
While each marriage is unique and comes with its own trouble spots and highlights, the following are 3 simple principles we agreed to focus on to keep our marriage strong:

1. Communicate.
Become a really good listener carefully listening before you react.
Be sure to communicate as clearly as you can to your spouse about your feelings. Speak the truth lovingly.
Remember communication should be vertical as well as horizontal (something like and equilateral triangle!D); by this we mean that you should spend time in prayer together. You will be surprised at the connection you will make with your spouse’s heart.

2. Prioritize.
Prioritize how you spend your time and resources. Weigh the urgency and importance of everything on your to-do list (and make sure to leave room for things not on your to-do list).
Study your spouse: find out what aspects of life are most important to your spouse, and put those at the top of your list.

3. Date your spouse.
Show your spouse the respect and courtesy you would show to an acquaintance or stranger. Focus on what you like about them, what you have in common -- listening patiently, being slow to anger and quick to forgive & forget.
Be spontaneous. Lavish your love on your spouse.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Be the one to get the pendulum swinging.
Consciously decide to show selflessness, physical affection and verbal appreciation in at least one way each day. (The more ways the better.)


“Love must be sincere. Hate what it is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:9-10).