Twenty-five Rules for a Happy Marriage

The churches of Christ Greet You (Romans 16:16)


1. Believe in the One true God (Hebrews 11:6).

2. Believe in the Bible as the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (John 20:30-31).

4. Marry someone who believes in God, in the Bible as God's inspired word, and in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

5. Both partners strive with all of their hearts to live a life of walking in the light of God's Word (1 John 1:7).

6. The partners in the marriage love each other as the Bible teaches (1 Cor. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-32; Matt. 22:34-40).

7. Especially be kind and thoughtful to one another every hour of every day.

8. If one partner should be unkind to the other, then let him/her repent and lovingly apologize for having been so.

9. Let the one who has been wounded graciously accept the apology and forgive--without reservation--the offender.

10. Do not go to sleep at night with some antagonism between you.

11. If one spouse becomes angry, let the other strive especially hard to remain calm and in such a frame of mind as to be kind even in the face of unkindness.

12. Be thankful for each other---thank God in prayer for each other.

13. Become a Christian by obeying the Gospel of Christ (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).

14. Live the Christian life before your children (they will likely be a tremendous joy to you throughout your life).

15. Do not bring up the mistakes of the past---in fact, forget them!

16. Be the husband or wife that Christ wants you to be---recognize your intimate responsibilities (1 Cor. 7:1-5).

17. Be good at saying, "Thank you," and "I'm sorry."

18. Be good at saying, "I really appreciate what you did when you did what you did."

19. Be good at saying, "You really look good in that dress and your hair really looks good, and...."

20. Never leave home without an affectionate farewell---kiss and say, "I love you, dear."

21. Never meet each other without saying something like this, "Hi, Dear, I missed you; I love you."

22. If there is something which you do not especially like, instead of blasting out with a roar of harsh criticism, why not begin like this: "My Dear, there is something I would like, and I would like to learn what your reaction to it is"---then tell what is on your mind?

23. If your spouse brings up some point of criticism, accept it with love and concern---remembering that no one is perfect and that you very likely need the criticism which he/she is giving you.

24. When you do wrong, do not hesitate to apologize for it.

25. Always remember that marriage is for life---"until death do you part"---and that the main purpose of marriage is that the two of you (husband and wife) will help each other (and your children) to live for God during earthly life and to go to heaven after this earthly life is over.

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