26 Ways to Strengthen Our Marriage A-Z

We all desire to strengthen our marriage.

But…

Good marriages are made.

And strong marriages birth from intentional work. 

So in the busy everyday grind, how can we prioritize and invest in our marriage? 

What practical things strengthen our marriage?

Because I need this as much as anyone.

Here are 26 suggested and practical ways (ABC’s) to strengthen our marriage.

Strengthen Our Marriage: Apply, Build, Cast, Deposit

A-Apply God’s Word to issues you face. Find Scriptures that address those areas first, instead of turning to a friend or family member for insight. (James 1:5)

B-Build up your spouse through words. Use affirming words that speak life over your marriage and spouse. (Proverbs 18:21)

C-Cast your cares on God first, then your spouse. Going to God first positions your spouse to be what God intended—your partner in marriage, not your Savior. (Psalm 55:22)

D-Deposit into your relationship more than you withdraw. Imagine a bank account where you withdraw more than you deposit. Soon, a spouse feels empty or overdrawn.

Cast your cares on God first, then your spouse. Going to God first positions your spouse to be what God intended—your partner in marriage, not your Savior. (Psalm 55:22) Share on X

Strengthen: Expose, Fan, Grow, Hold

E-Expose your marriage weak spots, not ignore them. Exposing and working through areas or topics that need attention keeps the enemy from gaining ground. 

F-Fan the flame of intimacy to keep it fresh and frequent. 

G-Grow together in the season you’re in, taking steps to navigate family, parenting, and spirituality. Don’t be satisfied with not knowing how to navigate new seasons. Dig in and grow together. 

H-Hold onto your dreams as individuals and as a couple. Set aside time to discuss your dreams and find ways to work toward them.

Strong Marriage: Intercede, Join, Know, Laugh

I-Intercede through prayer for your marriage. Ask your spouse how you can pray for them and set reminders on your phone or calendar each day to really pray.

J-Join together with the Lord to fight the enemy as a cord of three strands (Ecclesiastes 4:12). As uncomfortable as it might feel to pray together, begin today. The enemy will do anything to get you to not pray together because he knows how intimate and powerful it is. Don’t let him stop you.

K-Know who completes you. It’s not your spouse. Jesus completes you and makes you whole. Your spouse is simply the overflow of His blessings. (Psalm 23:5)

L-Laugh as a couple by scheduling play time. Besides work, kids, and other commitments, planning time to have fun together is one of the best investments you can make. 

Know who completes you. It’s not your spouse. Jesus completes you and makes you whole. Your spouse is simply the overflow of His blessings. (Psalm 23:5) Share on X

Strengthen Our Marriage: Minister, Need, Overcome, Pardon

M-Minister to your spouse. Often, we ask the Lord for ministry opportunities to others, but forget our soulmate. Really consider how you minister best to your spouse.

N-Need your spouse. Let your spouse know their value.

O-Overcome past mistakes and regrets through the mercy of God. Then, ask the Lord to give you a grace-filled heart, especially when you don’t want to show grace.

P-Pardon your spouse’s missteps against you so that restoration and unconditional love can bloom. Unforgiveness keeps the ground dry and rocky, where forgiveness creates a fertile ground for growth. (Mark 11:25)

Strengthen: Quiet, Renew, Start, Trust

Q-Quiet your soul. Be still and let the Holy Spirit pour life into you through time spent with the Lord daily in the Word, worship, and prayer. Practicing this soul-care will enhance your relationship.

R-Renew your love by pursuing your spouse more today than yesterday. Read, Why We Never Stop Pursuing Our Spouse.

S-Start fresh. Regardless of what has marked your marriage up to this point, today you can create the marriage you desire by forming new patterns. 

T-Trust each other by practicing authenticity and honesty. No secrets.

Strong Marriage: Understand, Vow, Welcome, X-ray, Yearn, Zone

U-Understand what makes each other “tick” in personal passions and aspirations.

V-Vow to remember the covenant you spoke to each other on your wedding day. (Ephesians 5:22-33)

W-Welcome your spouse home from work or a trip. It’s a reminder, There’s no place like home.

X-X-ray any fractures so you can seek proper treatment. Consider meeting with a pastor, another godly couple, or a professional counselor. Treatment is key.

Y-Yearn for a strong and vibrant marriage by guarding against complacency and distractions.

Z-Zone your marriage by encircling it with the Lord. Sometimes things are messy in a construction zone. But remember, your marriage is always under construction by the Lord. Take the hard hat off and let God do His job.

Zone your marriage by encircling it with the Lord. Sometimes things are messy in a construction zone. But remember, your marriage is always under construction by the Lord. Take the hard hat off and let God do His job. Share on X

Strengthen Our Marriage: Next Step

Ask the Lord to use these 26 tips to strengthen your marriage.

Share any or all with your spouse as you both commit to the ones that need the most work. Or choose one a week to concentrate on over the next 26 weeks. 

Which ways speak the most to you? Anything you would add?

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Tell His Story/Recharge Wednesday/Let’s Have Coffee/Tune in Thursday/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected/Candidly Christian and Faith On Fire.

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Featured photos from filming our latest YouTube Video/Friday’s Forever:

© 2021 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved