How to Succeed inMarriage
Be realistic, and expect challenges. A marriage may be put to the test by thoughtless or unkind words, financial problems, serious illness, orthe stresses of raising children. Hence, the Bible frankly statesthat those who marry “will have tribulation in their flesh.”(1 Corinthians 7:28) But tribulations, or trials, need not weaken a marriage. In fact, when two people love each other and possess godly wisdom, they have the means to resolve potentially divisive issues. Do you have the necessary wisdom to deal withproblems that may arise in your family? “If any one of you islacking in wisdom,” the Bible says, “let him keep on asking God,for he gives generously to all and without reproaching.”—James1:5.
Be faithful to each other. Few things do more to undermine a marriage than fornication, or sex outside the marriage, which is the only basis for divorce that is acceptable to God. (Matthew 19:9) The Bible says:“Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed bewithout defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.”(Hebrews 13:4) What can couples do to help them avoid being tempted to look outside the marriage for sexual satisfaction? The Biblestates: “Let the husband render to his wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband.”—1 Corinthians 7:3, 4.
