Marriage is the covenant union of two mature individuals on
the journey of life, aimed at fulfilling destiny and meeting the deep needs of
both man and woman. Achieving this requires maturity from both partners, which
is why marriage is not for boys and girls.
Marriage demands effort from both parties to build a strong
and lasting relationship. It requires sacrifice, commitment, effort, patience,
and understanding.
The story of Jacob and Rachel provides a vivid picture of
the commitment, love, sacrifice, and patience which are necessary for a
marriage to succeed. Jacob loved Rachel and wanted to marry her, but Rachel's
father, Laban, required Jacob to work for seven years to earn her hand in
marriage. Jacob agreed, but Laban tricked him and gave him Leah, Rachel’s elder
sister, on the night of the wedding. Jacob then worked another seven years to
marry Rachel, his true love (Genesis 29:15-30). This story exemplifies the
virtues required for a successful marriage.
A successful marriage is not magic as some will erroneously
think. Rather it requires continuous effort and dedication on the part of both
partners. They must be committed to working for the good of the marriage as a
matter of responsibility. It is not an automatic process but a deliberate
commitment to nurturing the relationship. The following are tips that can be adopted:
Ongoing Commitment: Marriage
is a lifelong commitment that demands consistent effort. This includes making
daily choices to prioritize your spouse, maintaining open lines of
communication, and being willing to compromise and adapt as needed. Each
partner must be committed to working through challenges together.
Effective Communication: Effective
communication is the cornerstone of a strong marriage. This involves not just
talking but also actively listening to your partner. It requires patience and
the ability to express feelings and thoughts clearly. Misunderstandings can be
minimized by practicing empathy and ensuring both partners feel heard and
valued.
Shared Responsibilities: A
successful marriage involves sharing responsibilities, whether it’s household
chores, financial management, or parenting. This requires cooperation and a
mutual understanding of each other’s strengths and limitations. Sharing
responsibilities helps build a sense of partnership and togetherness.
Emotional Support: Providing
emotional support to each other is crucial. This includes being there for your
partner during tough times, celebrating successes together, and maintaining a
positive outlook. Emotional support fosters a deeper connection and strengthens
the bond between partners.
Quality Time Together: Spending
quality time together is essential for maintaining intimacy and connection.
This involves making time for each other despite busy schedules, planning
activities you both enjoy, and continuously finding ways to strengthen your
bond.
Personal Growth: Both
partners must be committed to personal growth and self-improvement as this is
necessary for the growth of the relationship. This must be embanked on individually
and can involve pursuing individual interests, or furthering education.
Personal growth contributes to the overall health of the relationship, as both
partners bring their best selves to the marriage.
Patience and Persistence: Marriage
requires patience and persistence. It’s about understanding that building a
strong relationship is a process that takes time and that there will be different
seasons. Persistence in working through challenges and maintaining a positive
attitude can help couples overcome obstacles together. This further strengthens
the bond between them.
By recognizing that marriage requires hard work and being
willing to put in the required effort, couples can build a strong, lasting
relationship that thrives on mutual love, respect, and dedication. Let's commit
to building strong marriages, sacrificing for each other, and reflecting
Christ’s love.
Call to Action:
- Invest
in your relationship by dedicating time and energy to nurture it.
- Communicate
openly and honestly with your partner. Listen and understand each other’s
needs.
- Work
together to share responsibilities.
- Support
each other emotionally and celebrate your successes together. Give
yourself to your spouse, just as Christ gave Himself to the Church.
- Commit
to personal growth and continuous improvement.
- Practice
selfless love and build a strong and lasting marriage, reflecting God’s
love.