Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

"Unless Jehovah builds the house, it is in vain that its builders work hard on it." -Psalm 127:1 a. 

IF YOU put forth sincere effort and show that you want your marriage to succeed, you can enjoy Jehovah's blessing," says a husband who has been happily married for 38 years. Yes, husbands and wives have the potential for enjoying happy times as well as for supporting each other through difficult times. -Proverbs 18:22. 

It is not unusual, however, for married couples to experience some "tribulation in their flesh." (1 Corinthians 7:28) Why? Simply dealing with everyday troubles can strain marital  ties. Hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and miscommunications caused by the imperfect tongue can be a challenge in the best of marriages. (James 3:2, 5, 8) Many couples  also have difficulty in coping with demanding employment while caring for their children. Stress and exhaustion make it difficult for some couples to take the time they need  in order to strengthen their marriage.  Their love and respect for each other may be eroded  by financial difficulties, health problems, or other hardships. Furthermore, the foundation of what seemed to be a strong marriage can be undermined by "the works of  the flesh," such as sexual immorality, brazen conduct, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, and dissensions. -Galatians 5:19-21. 

To compound matters, "the last days" are characterized by selfish,ungodly attitudes that are toxic to a marriage.  (2 Timothy 3:1-4) Finally, marriages have to withstand the determined onslaughts of a malicious enemy.  The apostle Peter warns us:  "Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone." -1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:12. 

A husband in Japan admits:  "I was under a lot of stress financially. And because I didn't really communicate with my wife, she also came under a lot of pressure. In addition, she recently  experienced serious health problems. At times, this stress caused us to clash."  Some challenges in a marriage are inevitable, but they are  not insurmountable.  With Jehovah's help, couples can enjoy a solid and happy union.  (Read Psalm 127:1) Let us discuss five of the spiritual building blocks for a strong and lasting marriage. Then we will consider how these building blocks can be cemented by love. 

Next time: Build a Strong and Happy Marriage -INCLUDE JEHOVAH IN YOUR MARRIAGE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015