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Building a Stronger Marriage: Safeguarding Your Relationship Against Unseen Threats

In today’s world, we’re bombarded with messages about securing our physical spaces—infomercials tout the benefits of safe-proofing our homes, protecting us from external threats. But what about the unseen attacks on our spiritual and marital foundations? As parents and leaders, it’s crucial that we don’t just focus on safeguarding our physical surroundings; we must also fortify the foundations of our relationships.

The integrity of marriage is under constant threat from both blatant and subtle forces that aim to dismantle our bonds. To combat these spiritual assaults, we can adopt some practical steps that not only protect our marriages but also nurture faith and resilience in our families.

Pray Together

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. It’s nearly impossible to harbor resentment toward your spouse when you are actively praying for them. The Bible encourages us to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2, ESV). Make it a habit to pray not only for your partner’s growth but also for your own attitudes and responses. This practice fosters humility and encourages a spirit of forgiveness, allowing love and gratitude to flourish.

Engage in Family Devotions

Strengthening your spiritual connection as a couple is essential. Engage in family devotions that allow you to grow together in faith. There is no way for a couple to be right with God and remain in conflict with each other. The Bible reminds us to “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26–27, ESV). Make it a priority to resolve conflicts before the day ends. While this may lead to some long nights, it’s vital to work through your issues and not let them fester. Otherwise, you give Satan ammunition.

Be Attentive to Each Other

In a marriage, it’s easy to slip into separate routines and interests. Avoid the pitfalls of leading separate lives; instead, show genuine interest in each other’s hobbies and passions. You may not enjoy everything your spouse does, but participating or showing interest can deepen your bond and reinforce your partnership.

Invest in Your Marriage

Active involvement in each other’s lives is a cornerstone of a strong marriage. When challenges arise, support each other as a team. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 tells us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow” (ESV). Invest your time, energy, and resources into the relationship, allowing you to compensate for one another’s weaknesses and celebrate each other’s strengths. This investment builds a fortress of love and commitment that can weather any storm.

Avoid Potential Traps 

While it’s important to build a strong marriage, it’s equally crucial to avoid traps that can lead to temptation:

  • No “Fellowshipping” Alone: Establish a policy of never being alone with someone of the opposite sex. This may seem old-fashioned, but in today’s world, it’s a necessary precaution to protect the integrity of your marriage. Heeding the wisdom of Proverbs will protect us from a lot of pain and trouble. “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12, ESV). “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless” (Proverbs 14:16, ESV).
  • Keep Intimacy Exclusive: Be mindful of the details you share with others. Avoid confiding intimate thoughts or secrets with someone other than your spouse, as this can create an unhealthy familiarity that threatens your bond. Proverbs 4:23 advises us: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (ESV).
  • Respect Your Partner: Belittling or ridiculing your spouse not only undermines your relationship but also reflects poorly on you. Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (ESV). Ephesians 5:33 counsels, “Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (ESV). Choose to uplift and respect the person you vowed to love for a lifetime.

These strategies are essential not only for your marriage but also for the next generation. By practicing generational discipleship in marriage, you model healthy relationships and spiritual resilience for your children and others in your sphere of influence. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 emphasizes this calling: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (ESV). They will learn the value of commitment, respect, and the importance of seeking God together.

As you guard your home against unforeseen threats to steal, kill, and destroy your marriage, you lay a strong foundation for faith and fidelity that can endure for a lifetime. God calls us to choose wisely between right and wrong. Let’s make intentional choices to nurture our marriages, shielding our homes from spiritual threats.

D6 Family
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