Marriage is one of the greatest gifts from God, designed to reflect His covenant love for us. But in today’s world, maintaining a strong, Christ-centered marriage is not always easy. Relationships are tested by life’s challenges, busy schedules, and cultural pressures. However, when a couple commits to building their marriage on biblical principles, they can experience deep joy, unity, and resilience.
At Bethel Church in Monroe, Louisiana, we believe that a thriving marriage starts with a firm foundation in Christ. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for years, these principles will help you strengthen your relationship with each other and with God.
1. Make Christ the Center of Your Marriage
A Christ-centered marriage is built on faith, prayer, and trust in God’s plan. When Jesus is at the heart of a relationship, couples can navigate challenges with wisdom and grace. Matthew 7:24-25 teaches that a house built on the rock will stand firm against storms, and the same applies to marriage.
To keep Christ at the center, couples should:
- Pray together daily—whether it’s before meals, at bedtime, or when facing decisions.
- Read the Bible together—studying God’s Word strengthens your spiritual bond.
- Worship as a couple and family—attending church together builds unity in faith.
At Bethel Church Monroe LA, we encourage couples to make faith a daily priority. When God is first, everything else falls into place.
2. Love Each Other Like Christ Loves the Church
The Bible provides a clear model for love in marriage. Ephesians 5:25 states, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Christ’s love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional—and this is the kind of love we are called to show in marriage.
Wives are encouraged to respect and support their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24), and husbands are called to love and cherish their wives. This doesn’t mean perfection—it means choosing love, grace, and forgiveness daily.
A Christ-centered marriage requires:
- Putting your spouse’s needs before your own.
- Offering grace and forgiveness rather than holding onto resentment.
- Encouraging and building each other up in faith and life.
When both spouses commit to loving like Christ, their marriage becomes stronger and more fulfilling.
3. Communicate with Love and Honesty
Healthy communication is a pillar of a strong marriage. Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings, unmet expectations, or unspoken frustrations. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Here are a few ways to improve communication in marriage:
- Listen actively—Seek to understand before responding.
- Speak with kindness and respect—Words have power; use them to uplift, not tear down.
- Be honest, but gentle—Truth spoken in love leads to growth.
- Address conflicts quickly—Avoiding issues can create resentment.
At Bethel Church Monroe LA, we believe that healthy marriages require open, loving, and faith-filled communication. By keeping Christ at the center of your conversations, you can foster deeper connection and understanding.
4. Pray Together Daily
One of the most powerful things a couple can do is pray together. Prayer invites God into the marriage, provides spiritual protection, and fosters unity. Studies have shown that couples who pray together experience stronger emotional intimacy and lower divorce rates.
Ways to incorporate prayer into your marriage:
- Start each day with prayer—Ask God for guidance and strength.
- Pray before making big decisions—Seek wisdom for your future.
- Intercede for each other—Lift up your spouse’s needs to God.
- Pray during challenges—Trust God to work through difficulties.
If you’re unsure how to start, Bethel Church offers prayer groups and small groups for couples to help you grow in faith together.
5. Serve God and Others Together
A Christ-centered marriage is not just about personal happiness—it’s about fulfilling God’s purpose as a team. Serving others together strengthens your marriage by shifting the focus from personal desires to a shared mission.
Couples can serve together by:
- Volunteering at church—Whether it’s leading a small group, helping with children’s ministry, or serving on a hospitality team.
- Getting involved in community outreach—Helping those in need fosters gratitude and unity.
- Supporting each other’s spiritual gifts—Encouraging each other in ministry builds a stronger partnership.
Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” A marriage that embraces this principle experiences deeper purpose and fulfillment.
6. Stay Committed Through Trials
Every marriage will face challenges—financial struggles, health issues, misunderstandings, or seasons of distance. But the key to a lasting, Christ-centered marriage is staying committed through every season.
James 1:2-4 encourages us to see trials as opportunities for growth:
“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.”
When hard times come, instead of turning away from each other:
- Turn to God for strength and wisdom.
- Seek support from a trusted Christian community.
- Remember your vows and the commitment you made before God.
At Bethel Church in Monroe, Louisiana, we offer marriage counseling, small groups, and biblical teachings to help couples stay strong in faith and commitment.
Strengthen Your Marriage at Bethel Church in Monroe, Louisiana
A Christ-centered marriage doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intentional effort, prayer, and faith. But when built on biblical principles, your marriage can flourish, withstand trials, and reflect God’s love.
At Bethel Church Monroe LA, we are committed to helping couples grow in faith and love through:
✔️ Biblical marriage teachings on Sundays and small groups
✔️ Marriage counseling and mentorship programs
✔️ A supportive Christian community to walk alongside you
If you’re looking for Christian marriage advice or a church in Monroe, Louisiana, that will help you grow in your faith as a couple, we invite you to join us this Sunday!
👉 Visit Bethel Church to learn more!