Rules Of Thumb For A Good Marriage

   Rounded off, there is one divorce granted for every two marriages performed in our nation today, and it has been that way for decades.  Following is a list of what could be called Rules Of Thumb for A Good Marriage And A Happy Home.  While not fool-proof, if followed consistently they will provide a much greater likelihood that a couple will maintain a good, happy, fulfilling marriage.  The scripture references cited are usually not in a context that discusses marriage in particular, but the principles brought out in those texts can be properly applied to the marriage relationship.

 1.  Matt. 22:37-38  Above all, put God at the head of your life, home and marriage.
 2.  Jas. 4:7-8  Make up your mind to not allow the devil any influence in your marriage.
 3.  Eph. 5:22-25  Love your spouse deeply enough to accept and fulfill, cheerfully and       without resentment, your God-given roles as husband and wife.
 4.  Eph. 6:4  Be committed to lead your family to be faithful to God.
 5.  Prov. 12:22  Always be honest with each other.
 6.  Eph. 4:31  Don’t give anger, bitterness or evil speaking any place in your       relationship.
 7.  Eph. 4:32  Be kind and tenderhearted toward each other.
 8.  Mk. 11:25-26  Forgive, forget and move forward in your relationship.
 9.  Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 13:7; Gal. 6:2  Be supportive, bear one another’s burdens.
10.  1 Thess. 5:17  Take your lives, your marriage, everything to God in prayer together.
11.  1 Thess. 5:18  Count your blessings together, and give thanks to God for them.
12.  1 Cor. 13:8, 13  Love each other deeply and unconditionally.
 
   A good marriage does not happen by accident.  It begins as a blessing from God.  It develops and is maintained through careful focus and diligent determination of both husband and wife.  These Rules Of Thumb can serve as a guideline in that development…