“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to reflect His unending love for us. At its best, marriage becomes a beautiful partnership rooted in trust and love, woven together by the divine thread of Christ. But how can couples ensure their relationship remains unshakable? By anchoring their hearts in God and intentionally building trust and love in their marriage. Whether you’re starting out on this beautiful journey together or are years into marriage, nurturing trust and love is crucial. Here’s how you can begin.
1. Trust Begins With Truth
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
Trust forms the foundation of a healthy marriage. It flourishes where truth resides. Being truthful with your spouse goes beyond avoiding lies; it’s about living transparently. Share your thoughts, your fears, and even your mistakes. This honesty creates a safe space for your partner to do the same.
Reflect on Christ’s example. His words and actions were always aligned, demonstrating absolute integrity. We’re called to reflect this truthfulness in our marital relationships.
- Cultivate open communication by setting aside time to talk without distractions.
- Avoid withholding information, even when it might seem small. Trust is built through consistent honesty.
- Pray together, asking God to help you speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Reflective questions:
- Are there areas where I’m not being fully honest with my spouse?
- How can I create an environment where we both feel safe sharing openly?
2. Love That Mirrors Christ’s Sacrifice
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
Christ’s love is the ultimate example of sacrificial love. It’s selfless, enduring, and patient. Building unshakable love in your marriage requires that same level of commitment. It’s choosing to prioritise your spouse’s needs above your own, even when it’s not easy.
This doesn’t mean losing yourself; rather, it’s about serving each other with humility and grace. Biblical love isn’t dictated by fleeting emotions, but by steadfast actions that honour God’s design for marriage.
- Look for small, daily ways to serve your spouse, like offering a kind word, running an errand, or simply listening.
- Practice forgiveness as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13), letting go of resentment.
- Spend time studying 1 Corinthians 13 together and reflect on how love is described.
Reflective questions:
- Am I showing love through my actions, even when I’m tired or frustrated?
- How can my love for my spouse better reflect Christ’s sacrificial example?
3. Rebuilding Trust After Disappointment
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Every marriage faces challenges. Misunderstandings, unmet expectations, or even significant betrayals can erode trust. However, with God’s grace, broken trust can be rebuilt. It requires time, intentional effort, and reliance on God’s strength.
Begin by seeking forgiveness—from God and each other. Healing starts when both parties commit to reconciliation and transparency, choosing to move forward together.
- If you’ve hurt your spouse, own your mistakes and ask for forgiveness with sincerity. Don’t minimise their pain.
- Create boundaries to prevent further breaches of trust.
- Pray for restoration, asking God to mend what is broken and guide your path (Jeremiah 29:11).
Reflective questions:
- Are there past wounds in my marriage that need to be addressed?
- Have I allowed God to work in the broken places of our relationship?
4. Practical Habits for Building Trust and Love
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Loving and trusting your spouse isn’t just about big gestures; it’s built in the small, daily choices you make. Intentional habits can strengthen your bond and create a solid foundation that lasts through the trials of life.
- Communicate daily: Take time to check in with each other, even if it’s a few moments over coffee.
- Affirm each other: Speak words of encouragement and gratitude. A simple “thank you” or “you mean so much to me” can work wonders.
- Pray together: Inviting God into your daily routines strengthens both your faith and your relationship.
You might also want to create rituals, like a date night every month or reading Scripture together. These habits show intentionality and prioritise your relationship amidst life’s busyness.
Reflective questions:
- What small habits can we start today to show love and build trust?
- How can I make my spouse feel valued on a daily basis?
5. Inviting God Into Your Love Story
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
The secret to an unshakable marriage? Keeping Christ at the centre. God didn’t design marriage for us to do it alone. He is our anchor, guiding and sustaining us as we face both triumphs and challenges.
Inviting God into your love story means surrendering your relationship to Him. Trust Him to lead your marriage, and prioritise spiritual growth together. Worship, study Scripture, and pray not just individually, but as a couple.
- Dedicate time each week to studying God’s Word together, focusing on passages about marriage and unity (e.g., Colossians 3, Ephesians 5).
- Attend church together and seek out fellowship with other Christian couples.
- Pray for your marriage daily, asking for wisdom, patience, and unity.
Reflective questions:
- Are we regularly seeking God’s guidance in our marriage?
- How can we create a stronger spiritual foundation as a couple?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of marriage and for the opportunity to love and be loved in this sacred union. Lord, we ask that You strengthen the trust and love in our hearts, teaching us to reflect Your truth and selfless sacrifice. Help us to honour You in all that we do, and guide us as we build habits that draw us closer together and closer to You.
May our marriage shine as a testimony of Your grace and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Call to Action
Building an unshakable marriage takes effort, but it’s a journey well worth taking together. Commit to connecting daily with your spouse through prayer, open communication, and intentional acts of love. Trust God to guide and strengthen your marriage as you seek His wisdom. Will you take the first step today?
💞 “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
Building trust and love in your marriage isn’t always easy—but with Christ at the centre, it’s unshakable. 💍❤️ When you prioritise honesty, selfless love, and God’s guidance, you create a bond that weathers every storm.
✨ Want to strengthen your marriage? Our latest blog walks you through biblical wisdom and practical habits to build a love that lasts. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!
💑 Tag your spouse and save this as a reminder that with God, all things are possible. 🙏💖