No one gets married planning for it to be a short term commitment.
Yet, in our society, marriage has become just that, a commitment that eventually grows optional. If it doesn't feel like it's working for us anymore, we just get out.
So, the question becomes, how do we mold our marriage toward longevity rather than quickly shaping it in a way that will crumble when the first hard thing comes?
I believe these two key factors are quite literally what will allow your marriage to be the lifelong thing it was intended to be:
1) LOVE.
Well, that seems pretty straight forward, but is it really? It depends on your definition of love. You see if love is that butterfly feeling you get when your significant other walks in the room, and that's all, it's safe to say any relationship you experience will be sabotaged. God defines love as more than a feeling. It is an action that we take. And, one that's not always so easy. Love means putting someone else's needs ahead of your own. If you choose to live out your marriage in the true action of love described in the Bible, you are headed in the right direction.
2) COMMITMENT
The entire meaning of marriage is commitment, and yet many of our marriages lack this key ingredient. I would even go as far as saying that a lack of commitment is THE key reason many marriages fall apart. Many times we say "I am committed... as long as..." OR "I am committed.... IF"
Commitment means allegiance, or dedication to someone or something.
When we give ourselves an easy out by lacking total commitment, our marriages will fail.
True commitment means deciding to stay married through the good and bad.
The great thing is you GET to make these choices today and every day in your marriage!
Choose LOVE and choose COMMITMENT.
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails..."
Here are some more fantastic posts about Marriage.
What other components do you believe can lead to happy long lasting relationship? I would love to hear your input! Drop a comment below.
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