Getting married is often compared to getting involved in a business. If there is little to no investment it will fail. The same goes for a marriage. For a marriage to succeed there must be some form of investment from both parties.
I have been married for almost 11 mths now. Yep, so I’ll soon be celebrating my first anniversary 
. So when I was planning my wedding I wanted to do something different. So on each guest table I placed a card with one key to a successful marriage.
Here are my keys to a successful marriage:
FRIENDSHIP -
In my opinion, this is probably the most significant. My husband and I were friends for 10 years before we got married. As a result, we had the same friends and understood each other well. This made the transition to marriage very easy.
COURTSHIP -
It’s important that during the marriage that courtship continues. Especially if you’ve only known the person for a short period of time. It is key that you develop a deep level of intimacy.
COMMITMENT -
Marriage is a contract between you and your partner before God. Therefore, it must not be taken lightly. You should endeavor to work at making the relationship grow moment by moment.
SACRIFICE -
Many people go into marriage with the same hopes and dreams they had when they were single. However in order for the marriage to succeed some of these hopes and dreams must be sacrificed.
TRUST -
Hmm. This one was hard for me due to my quiet and protective nature. For others this may be hard due to past hurts. But my encouragement to you today is to trust in God. He will never fail you. When things get tough. LET GO LET GOD!
LOYALTY -
Loyalty must be to your new family first and then all others (extended family & friends) will fall into place.
SECURITY -
Security and trust can go hand in hand. Many issues like finances, infidelity and children can affect the security of a marriage. Planning ahead and I cannot stress enough - placing the relationship in God’s hand, is key.
COMPROMISE -
As mentioned earlier, it is harmful going into a marriage with the same mentality you had when you were single. The two shall become one - mind and body. We therefore have to learn to “agree to disagree”.
PATIENCE -
Where two different personalities meet there is bound to be frustration. However the bible gives great advice where this is concerned. Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV) - The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
COMMUNICATION -
Always ensure that the lines of communication are opened between you and your spouse. Also most importantly, private matters like your sexual relationships, finances and anything else you deem private should be kept between you and your spouse, only.
FORGIVENESS -
Never go to bed angry with your spouse! No one is perfect, every one makes mistakes.
PASSION -
Ensure that you keep the spark and romance alive. Always make time for your spouse!
Well those are my keys. I know there is so much more that goes into making a marriage successful. So if you would like to add please feel free to comment
Peace and Blessings!
