Top 10 Best Relationship Advice No One Ever Told You
Reading Time: 4 minutesTop 10 Best Relationship Advice No One Ever Told You
Marriage and relationships are a beautiful adventure, but they can also be unpredictable. While many of us have received advice on how to navigate these waters, there are some lesser-known gems that can make a significant difference. Here are the top 10 best relationship and marriage advice no one ever told you, along with relevant scriptures to guide us.
1. Love is a choice, not just a feeling.
Remember that love is a conscious decision, not just a fleeting emotion. Choose to love your partner every day, even when it’s hard.
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Love is not just a feeling, but a choice we make every day. When we choose to love, we open ourselves up to the possibility of hurt, but also to the possibility of deep connection and growth.
2. Marriage is a journey, not a destination.
Marriage is a continuous process of growth, learning, and evolution. It is not a hundred meter dash, it is a marathon! Embrace the journey and don’t expect to arrive at a perfect destination. James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Marriage is not a destination we arrive at, but a journey we embark on together. It requires effort, patience, and perseverance to navigate the ups and downs of life. Before you enter the marital road, ask yourself whether you are ready to go the along haul.
3. Marriage is a union of two quick forgivers.
No one is perfect, and mistakes will be made. Practice forgiveness and create a safe space for your partner to do the same. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is not always easy, but it’s essential in building a healthy and thriving relationship. When we forgive, we release the burden of resentment and create space for healing and growth. You know what I often advice? Practice advance forgiveness!
4. Communicate with intention, not just habit.
Communication is key, but make sure you’re communicating with intention and purpose, not just out of habit or obligation. Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
Effective communication requires intention and purpose. Take the time to listen, understand, and respond thoughtfully, rather than just going through the motions. Marriage is never. Play where you serve it hot without considering where it is landing. It is a place where you intentional speak with love.
5. Embrace the seasons of love.
Relationships go through different seasons, just like life. Embrace the ups and downs, and don’t expect perpetual sunshine.
Apostle Paul said he knew what it was to abound and what it was to be abased.
Each season brings its own unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Decide to navigate these seasons with joy and not with unnecessary bickering and animosity. It is a choice you have to make.
6. Sex is not just some fun, it is a covenant between you and your spouse.
It is deeply spiritual. Intimacy is more than just physical; prioritize emotional and spiritual connection with your partner. And this is why we also tell singles to abstain from sex before wedding. The Bible frowns at that and it is important you understand this.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
You are to honour God with your body by enjoying sex in marriage with your spouse and by abstaining from sex as singles!
7. Respect is the foundation, not just love.
Love is essential, but respect is the foundation on which a healthy relationship is built. Prioritize respect and kindness.
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33
Love is essential, but respect is the foundation on which a healthy relationship is built. Prioritize respect and kindness, and build a strong foundation for your relationship. I tell ladies all the time, do not marry a man you cannot respect!
8. Take responsibility for your own joy.
Your partner can’t make you happy; that’s your job. Take ownership of your happiness and well-being.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2. Two miserable couples would soon bring an end to the marriage.
While it’s wonderful to have a supportive partner, ultimately, your joy is your responsibility. Focus on building a fulfilling life, and your relationship will benefit as a result. Decide to keep your joy.
9. Don’t expect your partner to be a magician.
Your partner has no special love potion they have taken. Your partner will be as human as they can be. Do not expect a perfect person, they only exist in novels and movies. Happily every after is only in movies. There will be additional troubles that come as a result of getting married. Your maturity is loving despite all these troubles that come as result of male-female differences.
1Co 7:28 (MSG) But there’s certainly no sin in getting married, whether you’re a virgin or not. All I am saying is that when you marry, you take on additional stress in an already stressful time, and I want to spare you if possible.
10. Laugh together, often.
Laughter is the best medicine, especially in relationships. Make time to laugh together and find the humor in life’s challenges.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Laughter is contagious and brings joy to our lives. Make time to laugh together, and find the humor in life’s challenges. Bring humour out of tensed situations and laugh about it.
In conclusion, relationships and marriage are a beautiful adventure, full of twists and turns. When you go along with God’s counsel, it makes the journey more beautiful.
