Every real relationship will test your ability to compromise. It doesn’t matter how much you both love each other, or how “perfect” you seem together. At some point, you’ll have to choose between being right and being at peace, between holding your ground and holding someone’s hand.
And the way God has designed it to be is that most times God will give you someone opposite in character.
Not to frustrate you, but to refine you. So you both can meet in the middle.
For example, you like to talk through everything immediately, but your partner needs time to think first. Compromise here would look like you learning their rhythm instead of forcing yours.
Romans 12:18 (NIV)– “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
That’s what compromise really looks like. It’s not a weakness. It’s not losing. It’s learning to love beyond yourself.
Because the truth is, no two people are the same. We come with different stories, different backgrounds, different ways of thinking, and different ways of being loved. Compromise is what makes those differences work instead of clash.
Why Compromise Matters
1. Because love isn’t one-sided. You can’t build connection if both of you insist on your own way.
2. Because it teaches patience. Compromise humbles you enough to listen before reacting.
3. Because it builds respect. Yielding doesn’t mean you’re smaller; it means you care.
4. Because it keeps peace alive. Sometimes peace is just one less argument you decide not to have.
It’s easy to talk about “matching energy,” but maturity sometimes looks like softening your tone, trying again, or agreeing to disagree — just because you value the person more than the point.
Compromise is what gives relationships room to thrive.
Conclusion
Many relationships and marriages fail today not because of big problems, but because they couldn’t meet in the middle on the small ones.
Every healthy relationship stands on tiny, daily compromises, be it in tone, in patience, in understanding.
Because truthfully, there’s no relationship without compromise — not friendship, not family, not romance.
Love only survives where pride learns to sit down.
Falling in love is beautiful, but sustaining it after saying yes is where real work begins. Whether you’re single, preparing for marriage, or already married, love needs daily nurturing to thrive. Here are practical steps to keep that flame burning.
1. Keep God at the Center
Every lasting relationship stands on a solid foundation. That foundation is God.
Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it – Psalm 127:1, NKJV.
Praying together, studying the Word, and seeking God’s guidance create spiritual unity. A relationship built on Him can weather storms.
2. Communicate with Openness and Grace
Love flourishes in honest, kind communication. Don’t bottle up feelings or expect your partner to read your mind.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt– Colossians 4:6, NIV.
Speak truthfully, listen patiently, and respond with empathy.
3. Choose Forgiveness Daily
No relationship is perfect. Offenses will come, but forgiveness keeps bitterness from taking root.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you– Ephesians 4:32, NIV.
Holding grudges only builds walls; forgiveness builds bridges.
4. Keep the Spark Alive
Intentional effort is needed to keep romance vibrant. Plan date nights, share surprises, laugh together, and celebrate small wins. For singles, this means learning to nurture love beyond the butterflies—through acts of service, patience, and consistency.
5. Grow Together, Not Apart
As life changes, keep evolving together. Support each other’s dreams, pray over each other, and face challenges as a team.
Two are better than one… for if they fall, one will lift up his companion – Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, NKJV.
Final Thought
Saying “Yes” is just the beginning. Sustaining love is a journey of daily choices—anchored in God, seasoned with grace, and strengthened by intentionality. Whether single or married, commit to nurturing your love story so it reflects Christ’s enduring love.
Are you a minister, pastor, church worker, or leader, and do you live in Ibadan? You are cordially invited to “Equip” a Minister’s Conference with Rev Femi Oduwole and Rev Gbeminiyi Eboda as part of our 9th anniversary convention.
Rev Dunamis and Sophia Okunowo will also be hosting us. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Kindly register HERE
Don’t miss it. Spread the word!
One of the most powerful yet simple acts a couple can engage in is praying together. In a world where marriages are constantly under pressure, prayer becomes a binding force that strengthens not only your relationship with God but also with each other. Prayer invites God into the center of your relationship, aligning your hearts and goals with His will.
The scriptures remind us of the power of agreement in prayer:
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”(Matthew 18:19, ESV)
This verse isn’t just about agreement in general, but it speaks specifically to the kind of unity that comes when two people seek God by praying together. When a husband and wife come together before God, they cultivate spiritual intimacy, which naturally spills over into emotional and physical connection.
Many couples underestimate how prayer transforms conflict. When disagreements arise, as they inevitably will, prayer shifts the focus from “who’s right” to “what’s righteous.” It humbles both hearts, encouraging forgiveness and grace.
This is why James said
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.James 5:16 (NIV)
When you pray with your spouse, you are not only fighting for your marriage but also modeling a godly union that your children and others can look up to. You show that your relationship is not based merely on feelings or circumstances but on the unchanging foundation of God’s Word.
A study by the National Association of Marriage Enhancement found that less than 1% of couples who pray together daily end up divorcing. That statistic isn’t magic; it’s the fruit of prioritizing God together. Prayer opens the door to God’s peace, wisdom, and strength, which are all necessary for navigating the ups and downs of life and marriage.
Take a few minutes today to hold your spouse’s hand and talk to God together. You don’t need fancy words, just a sincere heart. Thank Him for each other, lift up your needs, ask for His guidance, and declare His promises over your marriage.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
Let Christ be that third strand in your marriage. When you pray together, you braid your love with God’s power—and that is not easily broken.
This message is for singles, too. Now is the time to build your altar of prayer. Let God shape your heart, your desires, and your expectations. Pray for your future spouse, even if you haven’t met them yet. Ask God to prepare you to be the kind of partner who brings spiritual strength into a marriage. A strong foundation in prayer while you’re single will prepare you to thrive in unity when you’re joined with another.
Romance is often seen as the heartbeat of a thriving marriage, but what happens when that spark seems to fade? Many couples find themselves in this place, where daily routines, responsibilities, and life’s pressures overshadow the affection and passion they once shared. If your marriage feels like it lacks romance, take heart. God designed marriage to be a reflection of His love for us (Ephesians 5:25), and with intentionality and effort, you can rekindle the flame.
1. Recognize That Romance Requires Intentionality
Romance doesn’t just happen naturally over time; it requires deliberate effort. Life gets busy, and if we’re not careful, we can drift into autopilot mode, neglecting the small gestures that keep love alive. Song of Solomon 7:10 reminds us of the beauty of pursuing one another: “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.” Take ownership of reigniting romance by planning date nights, leaving sweet notes, or surprising your spouse with thoughtful acts of kindness. Even small efforts can make a big difference.
2. Communicate Openly About Your Needs
A lack of romance often stems from unspoken expectations or unmet needs. Instead of harboring frustration, have an honest yet gentle conversation with your spouse. Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to speak words that build up rather than tear down. Share how you feel without blaming or criticizing, and listen to your partner’s perspective. Healthy communication creates space for understanding and collaboration to restore intimacy.
3. Prioritize Emotional Connection
Physical romance flows out of emotional connection. If there’s distance between you and your spouse emotionally, it will likely affect your physical relationship too. Spend quality time together—without distractions—to reconnect. Ask about their dreams, fears, and joys. Pray together and seek God’s guidance for your marriage. Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Cultivating emotional closeness lays a foundation for deeper romantic bonds.
4. Be Willing to Sacrifice Comfort Zones
Sometimes, the absence of romance comes from complacency or fear of stepping outside our comfort zones. Maybe you’ve stopped trying new things or expressing vulnerability because it feels awkward or risky. However, growth rarely happens within the confines of comfort. Be willing to initiate change—even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Whether it’s dressing up for dinner, writing a heartfelt letter, or planning a weekend getaway, stepping out of routine can breathe fresh energy into your marriage.
5. Seek God Together
Ultimately, true romance isn’t sustained by human effort alone—it’s fueled by God’s presence in your relationship. When couples prioritize their spiritual connection with Him, they invite His love to flow through their marriage. Malachi 2:15 says, “Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit, they are His.” Pray together, read Scripture, and ask God to renew your hearts toward each other. As you align yourselves with His purposes, He will restore joy and passion to your union.
Final Thought:
The absence of romance doesn’t mean your marriage is broken—it means it’s time to refocus and rebuild. Don’t wait for “someday” or assume things will improve on their own. With intentional action, open communication, and reliance on God, you can revive the romance in your marriage. Remember, marriage is a covenant—a lifelong commitment meant to reflect Christ’s unwavering love for the church. By choosing to nurture romance, you honor both your spouse and the divine design of marriage.
So today, take one step—no matter how small—to show your spouse they are still treasured. Love deeply, pursue passionately, and trust that God will bless your efforts to strengthen the bond you share.
But trust me — it’s even more awkward when you don’t.
Singles should not be afraid to ask questions about money early. Not because you’re being materialistic, but because how someone handles money reveals how they handle responsibility.
Do they save? Are they drowning in debt but pretending otherwise? Do they tithe, give, plan, or just spend whatever comes in?
You’re not asking for bank statements on the first date—just be observant.
Money isn’t the foundation of love, but it can break what love is trying to build if you ignore it too long.
For married couples, here’s the truth:
You’re not just sharing a bed—you’re sharing a budget. And if you’re not on the same page financially, you’ll end up blaming each other for stress that could have been avoided.
Here are a few simple things that may help:
1. Talk about money regularly, not only when there’s a crisis.
Set a time each month to go over income, expenses, plans—with grace, not tension.
2. Don’t hide money.
Secret accounts, silent spending, or “it’s my money” attitudes only create distrust. Even if you earn more, you’re building together.
3. Create a plan that reflects both of you.
One person may love saving, the other may enjoy giving or investing. Find a rhythm that honours both your personalities, not just one.
4. Pray about your finances.
Seriously. Invite God into your money decisions. He’s not just the God of miracles—He’s the God of wisdom.
When money becomes a conversation instead of a battle, your relationship will breathe easier. Because love thrives where trust lives, and how you handle money says a lot about trust.
