The following are a number of quotes that Marriage Missions International individually sent out and then posted on our Twitter site as marriage tips, which can still be used in a variety of ways:
• A church, ministry, counseling organization, or an individual can use them to share, if desired.
• They can be used as points of discussion in marriage classes, mentoring, counseling, or coaching situations.
• Couples or individuals can use these quotes to discuss or consider the issues raised, allowing the Holy Spirit, our Wonderful Counselor, to speak further to them.
Twitter Marriage Quotes
They make great discussion points for those couples who want to use them for conversation starters for a 22 Minute Date (the guidelines are posted in the Romantic Ideas topic). Just make sure, if you use these quotes in a dating situation, you don’t get into heated arguments over them.
The point in sharing these marriage tips is to build marital relationship bridges, not construct walls of contention, causing a breakdown of communication. You can constructively disagree with these tips and with each other, and still learn more about each other and grow closer together, in the process.
It is our sincere hope that the tips below will help marriages. As you read them, consider:
1. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
2. Do you have further thoughts on the issue, to apply personally or as a general rule? (If you’re reading them with someone else, please share.)
3. Do any scriptures come to mind, which apply to the marriage tip given? (If possible, please share.)
The following are quotes to note for your use. (Each quote stands on its own —for your knowledge, the original sources are noted afterward in parenthesis)
Please Prayerfully Consider:
• “In the midst of all the details of your life is your marriage. When was the last time you expressed to your spouse what they mean to you?” (Julie Sibert)
• If you begin to think, There is no hope for my marriage, realize that, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) Don’t limit God.
• “If the church is really all about good marriages and preventing divorce, we need to get very serious about helping couples with sex.” (Paul Byerly)
• “Why is it you’re more likely to extend kindness to a stranger than to your spouse? Consider offering the same compassion to your mate.” (From the Toodarnhappy.com article, “Love by the Book —8 Simple Ideas to Improve Your Marriage”)
• “It is so easy to keep that long list of offenses and mistakes our spouse has made and use it as our trump card whenever we need a little leverage in a dispute. But what an opportunity we miss when we keep score!” (April Motl)
• “Press into a deeper understanding of the grace that you’ve been shown by God in Christ. Allow grace to work its way into your marriage.” (Scott Means)
• “Find daily opportunities to recognize your mate for something reflecting a character strength” (wonderful mother/father, thoughtfulness). (Laurie Puhn)
• “People are more likely to act themselves into a new way of thinking than they are to think themselves into a new way of acting.” (Unknown)
• In marriage: “If something is broken, fix it. Address issues as soon as you identify them, before the problem molehill becomes a mountain.” (Robert Ferguson)
Also Consider:
• “A little attention goes a long way. The smallest kind gesture shown toward your spouse can have great impact on your marriage.” (Miriam)
• Christ loves you —give that love to your spouse. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
• Give special recognition and thanks to your spouse for special acts of kindness. An appreciated and loved spouse is a happy spouse!
• “Good communication happens when you choose to make your primary goal understanding rather than being understood.” Difficult, but important! (Blackandmarriedwithkids.com)
• “The more you insist on being RIGHT, the more you will be miserable in your marriage. Don’t go for RIGHT; go for LOVE.” (Mort Fertel)
• “Look for opportunities to go off the beaten path of your routines together. Often, the best things that happen were never planned at all.” (Rowan and Mara Fraser)
• “It’s easier to address problems if you can laugh together. As much as possible, do things together. Do ANYTHING! Just make sure you laugh.” (Sheila Wray Gegoire)
• “Spirituality is to your marriage as yeast is to a loaf of bread. We have said to hundreds of couples: Ultimately, your spiritual commitment will determine whether your marriage rises successfully or falls disappointingly flat.” (Drs Les and Leslie Parrott)
• “Make it your mission today to do something different than the norm to express to the one you love how much he (she) means to you.” (Fawn Weaver)
• “One of the most important skills when it comes to marriage is the ability to let go of the past. Are you or your spouse holding on?” (Michele Weiner-Davis)
Also Consider:
• “Sometimes we fool ourselves into expecting perfection. Your home needs to be a place where you allow your mate to make mistakes.” (Dr Gary and Barb Rosberg)
• “Remembering your spouse’s fault and releasing him/her from it are two different things. Be free through forgiveness.” (Marriage Works!)
• “Time is a lot like money. If I spend time 1 way, I’ve chosen to not spend it another. It’s smart to ‘invest’ time in your marriage.” (Lori Byerly)
• “Praying together every day might be the most intimate thing you can do. Even more than sex.” Difficult to believe, but true. (Jill Killiam)
• “Small gestures can go a long way. Thousands of little things over the years will be a catalyst to a life of love and joy.” Give, as you can. (Fawn Weaver)
• “If you want a situation to change, you must always look to yourself 1st, because the only person you have the power to change is you.” (Kim)
• Go God’s way! “When you start despairing about your marriage, can you take that thought, hold it up to God and ask, ‘what’s your perspective?” (Quote is from: Sheila Wray Gregoire)
• “Are there wounds that need to be healed? With the Lord’s help, they can be healed and your marriage can not only be healed, but transformed.” (David Hawkins)
• “We all have things to do and busy seasons, but making couple time is important. Be intentional about connecting and spending time together.” (Laurie Byerly)
• “Build an ongoing friendship with your spouse. Play together. Work together. Laugh together. Grow together so that you stay together” (Lori Byerly)
Additionally:
• Remember: “You, too, make careless mistakes, just like the mistake your spouse made that is really grating on your nerves.” Extend grace!!! (Cindi and Hugh McMenamin)
• With your spouse: Be purposeful about speaking truth and life. It’s easy to let your conversations drift only to the functional and mundane.” (Scott, from Surrenderedmarriage.org)
• “When something bothers you, you have to decide if it bothers you enough that you should say something. Are you being just too picky?” (Paul Byerly)
• “Surround yourself with people you admire —those who are committed to encouraging and supporting of you and your spouse and your marriage.” (Whitney Hopler)
• Don’t lose sight of your vows or the value of your promises. “Your word is your bond. When you commit, keep it. Be a person with integrity.” (Quote: Robert Ferguson)
• Grow in oneness. “Pray that God will help you spot any walls going up between you and your spouse before they get filled in with resentment.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey.)
• “Life is hard. We need to lighten up. We need to restore a little silliness in our relationships” —especially in our marriage relationship! (Susan Yates)
• “Don’t underestimate the power of reminding your spouse of something you appreciate or value about them in the heat of the argument.” (Anne Bercht)
• “Storms will come and go in our marriages. Preparing for them makes the difference as to whether our house will stand when the storm passes.” (Debi Walter)
• “Whatever the argument is about on the surface is not really what the argument is about. You’re going to need to look below the surface.” (Anne Bercht)
Also Consider:
• When you’re conflicting with each other, it’s time to pray together. Prayer paves paths we would never have discovered to take otherwise. (Cindy Wright)
• “The bonds of matrimony are a good investment when the interest is kept up.” Don’t forget to keep investing yourself in your relationship.
• “Your spouse needs to come to the top of your priority list —just a bubble behind Jesus.” Don’t just give him or her leftover time and energy. (Quote from Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg)
• “What you say has power: Consider before you speak whether what you’re about to say will move your marriage forward or backward.” (Scott Means)
• “Holding his or her hopes is one of the deepest and most meaningful ways you can serve your spouse in spite of what life may bring.” (From Couplethingsblog.wordpress.com article, “Holding Hopes”)
• “Love, is extending yourself for the welfare of another human being” (Scott Peck. “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jesus)
• “Don’t wait until you get into a dramatic situation before you cement your promise to care for one another through every circumstance.” (Dennis Rainey)
• “Within the scope of your relationship, you each need to explore who you are designed to be and not lock each other up with expectations.” (Lori Byerly)
• “When you forgive your spouse, you empower yourself to be the master of your emotions instead of a servant to them.” (Marriageworks.org)
• “The point of what we do is waiting for us after all that ‘doing’ is done. In the margin is where the cherishing of each other, is found.” (Rowan and Mara Fraser)
More Quotes to Note:
• “Be a life-giver when it comes to how you speak to your spouse: It takes seven positive statements to every negative one just to stay even.” (Scott Means)
• “Ask yourself what you could do to make situations less difficult. Do it, even if you think you shouldn’t have to.” (Karin Ireland)
• “For your marriage to succeed, express gratitude often and check-in with your spouse periodically to make sure they feel appreciated.” (Mort Fertel)
• “Flirting is great for your marriage. Actively flirt with your spouse (and never with anyone else). Do it often. Do it daily.” Have fun! (Gleaned from the Donotdisturbblog.wordpress.com web site)
• “When you speak God’s truth to your spouse, it gives them life. When you speak falsehood or half-truth you speak death.” (Scott)
• From this day forward: “Deal with stuff as it happens. Don’t let your marriage get into such a bad rut that you can’t climb out of it.” (Quote from Sheila Wray Gregoire)
• KISS OFTEN; LOVE MUCH! Sept. 11, 2001 is a reminder that you can’t take it for granted that your spouse will always be with you to do so.
• “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
• While conflicting: Below the surface, most likely you (and your spouse) are feeling unloved or inadequate. Being sensitive to this can help. (Isn’t attributed to anyone.)
• “It’s normal to get upset during conflict. Still, make it your aim —through practice —to act Christ-like. In your anger, do not sin.” (Quote from Marriageworks.com)
Additionally:
• May we continually remember the words of Christ in our marriages: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
• “Commit to complimenting your spouse every day, but be genuine. And never get beyond confessing your love out loud to one another.” (Scott Means)
• “E-mail, Twitter, Facebook, have their places in romance and friendship. But no matter how valuable, they don’t substitute for conversation.” (Dave Boehi)
”More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse” – Doug Larson
• Build marital unity. “Schedule time for rest and recreation together on a regular basis so you can keep enjoying your relationship.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “Choose to bless your husband or wife in face of their shortcomings. It speaks loudly to their heart that they’re loved and accepted.” (Scott Means)
• “As long as improving is our goal, there’s no limit to what GOD can do in and thru marriage and there’s no limit to what God can do in YOURS!” (Debi Walter)
• “Maintain a positive spiritual balance of remaining aware of your own shortcomings and staying sensitive to your spouse’s strengths.” (Gary Thomas)
Plus:
• “Slow down and simplify your lives. Make time for each other so you BUILD your marriage, rather than act like ships passing in the night.” (Lori Byerly)
• “Most marriages can survive temporarily ‘falling out of love.’ But you’re headed for disaster if you let yourself fall out of repentance.” (Gary Thomas)
• “Disrespect doesn’t motivate a man to be loving anymore than a man withholding love motivates a woman to be respectful.” (Emerson Eggerichs)
• “Marriage is a spiritual institution designed by God for two imperfect people to be joined together in dependence upon Him and each other.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• More people behave themselves into new ways of thinking than think themselves into new ways of behaving. Showing love can grow love.
• “Assume your spouse has good intentions. A wet towel on the floor is a wet towel on the floor, not contempt. Try not to judge negatively.” (Michele Weiner-Davis)
• “Avoid ‘you’ statements. Use: ‘In situation x, when you do y, I feel z.’ ‘You’ statements are an attack and invite a defensive response.” (Anne Bercht)
• “A good college education doesn’t guarantee a good job just as a beautiful wedding doesn’t guarantee a good marriage.” (Dr Emerson Eggerichs)
• “It’s easy for others to give advice but they don’t live in your shoes. When it comes to advice, consider the source.” (Michele Weiner-Davis)
• Make time for your MARRIAGE. “Just because you can do something does not mean you should.” If you’re too busy to be kind, you’re too busy.”
• “Joking” around isn’t funny when it hurts your spouse. “The next time you use the words, I was just kidding, make sure you really are.” (Debi Walter)
Plus:
• Keep in mind: “Your marriage is a covenantal relationship that can show everyone who knows you what God’s love looks like in action.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “Learn to be a champion of your spouse. Make it a priority to demonstrate interest, to listen, and display empathy.” (Jim Burns)
• Be careful of your complaints. “Before you try to ‘fix”’ your mate, examine yourself to ensure you’re straight.” (See Matt 7:3-5) (Quote from Marriageworks.org)
• “Purpose to never put each other in a bad light. If there are hurts or disappointments—which there will be—talk about them in private.” (Debi Walter)
• “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24) Sweeten the way you speak to your spouse.
• “Listen carefully to what your mate may be trying to say, even if not said in the most effective manner. Be an effective listener.” (Dr David B Hawkins)
• “Don’t worry that kids never listen to you; worry that they’re always watching you.” “Live a life of love as Christ loved us” -Eph. 5:2 (Quote by Robert Fulgham)
• Look for ways to add more laughter to your marriage. If you and your spouse make this a priority, serious matters won’t overwhelm you. (Cindy Wright)
• Do your marriage a favor and avoid lecturing language such as, ‘I can’t believe you…,’ ‘You always…,’ ‘You never…,’ and ‘How come you…'” (Jim Burns)
• For better or worse? “More marriages would survive, if partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse.” (Doug Larson)
Additionally:
• “Talk with each other OFTEN and INTENTIONALLY. Speak to each other with KIND WORDS and a CARING TONE of voice. CAREFULLY LISTEN to each other.” (Whitney Hopler)
• Defend and protect your spouse from those who criticize him or her. Focus on spending time with those who are supportive of your marriage.
• An important goal: “Your marriage is a covenantal relationship that can show everyone who knows you what God’s love looks like in action.” (Whitney Hopler)
• Reminder: We often use your polite words and actions with others but neglect to use them at home. Today, show kindness ESPECIALLY at home.
• “Teasing is fine, but it has its limits. If one shows any amount of being upset, it’s time to stop.” Honor your spouse’s feelings on this. (Quote from Mystery 32.com blog, “Ground Rules”)
• “We’re hurting our families when we let the mundane (like Internet interactions, and technology) take precedence over the eternal.” (Gary Sinclair)
• “Serve your spouse —even if the emotions are temporarily absent. As you do the acts of love, the feelings of love will make an appearance.” (Quote from Marriageworks.org)
• Beware of spending so much time absorbed in the superficial world of TV, your marriage —a REAL relationship is cheated of needed time.
• “Ask God to give you a team spirit so you yield to each other when necessary to resolve issues that cause conflict in your relationship.” (Whitney Hopler)
• In marriage: “Observing others and how they do things can be the most fruitful way to learn something new. I call this silent mentoring.” (Robert Ferguson)
• “If you aren’t working on your marriage, you’re working on your divorce.” (T Broadway) “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly” (Colossians 3:23)
Plus:
• “Anything that becomes a necessity has the ability to become an idol.” If you allow gadgets to cause divisions in your marriage, BEWARE! (Quote from the article, “Setting Boundaries for Mobile Technology”)
• Be kind and show you’re listening attentively when your spouse speaks (not when they yell) and you will be showing them their importance to you.
• “Know when to drop an issue.” “When words are many, sin is not absent; but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
• “If your marriage has grown stale, look in the mirror and ask God how He can use it to transform the person looking back at you.” (Gary Thomas)
• “Be wary of what you say to family about your marital problems. Sometimes family members don’t forgive when YOU are ready to do so.” (Michele Weiner Davis)
• “Do not take someone of the opposite sex into precincts that are the exclusive domain of your spouse.” (Alistair Begg) “Flee” temptation.
• “Imagine what would happen in your marriage if you asked regularly ‘What can I do to help?’ Imagine the example it would set for your kids.” (Dave Boehi)
• “Being married forces you to face some character issues you’d never have to face otherwise.” It shows you who you are hidden within. (Gary Thomas)
• In marriage: “practice the skill of listening, perhaps ask a few questions. Listening deeply says you care and want to hear his (her) heart.” (Lori Byerly)
• “Marriage is to reflect you and your spouse’s relationships with Jesus and show the people around you how true love and commitment should work.” (Whitney Hopler)
Additionally:
• Talk WITH your spouse and turn off electronic devices when you do, otherwise the distractions will disrupt this important time together.
• Guard your heart and marriage: “To affair-proof your marriage, you must first affair-proof your heart. All indiscretions start in the heart.” (MarriageWorks.com)
• “Research shows that using a credit card for the sake of convenience can make you spend at least 30 percent more than you would otherwise.” (Ron Blue)
• “What happens in us matters far more than what happens to us. Our experiences don’t define us; our response to them does.” (Twitter quote from gritandglory)
• Be careful of your attitude with your spouse. “Rid yourselves of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” (1 Peter 2:1)
• “It’s not lack of love but lack of friendship that makes unhappy families.” (Z. Kasparyants) “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jesus)
• “The distance between a conflict and resolution is an indicator of the maturity of your marriage. Work on shortening this distance.” (Debi Walter)
• Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean you should. Pray and sort out what truly needs your attention. MAKE time for your spouse.
• To provide more opportunity for connection, conversation, and peaceful mealtimes, practice the 3 T’s: Timeout from Technology at the Table.
• “Men: don’t look for a woman to complete you. Women: don’t look for a man to complete you. God your creator is the great completer!” (Twitter quote from Eye2eyemarriage)
• 2 Important marital tips: “Cultivate the fine and often forgotten, art of romance. 2nd, guard your heart in relation to the opposite sex.” (Dennis Rainey)
Plus:
• Marriage, like a submarine, is only safe if you get all the way inside. (Frank Pittman)
• “All those ‘and they lived happily ever after’ fairy tale endings need changing to ‘and they began the work of making their marriage happy.'” (Linda Miles)
• “In your anger do not sin” -Ephesians 4:26. “Speak when you’re angry and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” (Dr Laurence Peters)
• Advice to prayerfully consider: “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop a matter before a dispute breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14)
• “If you’re the only ‘Jesus’ your spouse is going to see you’d better think about how you’re representing him.” Are you being salt and light? (Brad, from Onefleshmarriage.com )
• Make sure your attitude towards your spouse is “catchy” and reflects the love of Christ. Are you generously lavishing your spouse with love?
• Bring back the smile into your marital home. Don’t allow life and circumstances to steal away your joy and cause you to be so downtrodden.
• “Your marriage is taking place on a spiritual battlefield, not on a romantic balcony. Help one another maintain your ‘war footing.’” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “No texting or talking about important issues over the phone. This should be done face-to-face, unless it’s something that can’t wait.” (Dave Boehi)
• “The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished” Talk AND listen. Beware of only talking AT each other. (Quote is from George Bernard Shaw)
Additionally:
• “If there’s one practical action step you can take to divorce-proof your marriage: Begin praying daily with your spouse.” (Dennis Rainey)
• “The secret to building an enduring marriage that lasts is to make GODLY SACRIFICES, by placing ourselves, our very lives in God’s hands.” (Edward, from Elevateyourmarriage.com)
• “What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.” (Leo Tolstoy)
• Don’t let technology take over your marriage: “find time daily to disconnect from it all and reconnect with ‘old fashioned’ conversation.” (Dave Boehi)
• Keeping your marital love alive, which takes “the tenacious desire not to let the crush of life keep you from having a crush on each other.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “Only a marriage triangle –one composed of a man and a woman and God —investing all they are and have —will reach its full potential.” (E. Glenn Wagner)
• Guard your marriage —restrict your gaze and don’t look longingly at members of the opposite sex. Build boundaries around your heart.
• “Develop realistic expectations of how the holidays should be spent. Wishful thinking generally leads to hurt feelings and disappointments.” (Wilford Wooten)
• Concerning marriage: “See to it that you are not taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit that is human driven and not Christ centered.” (From Elevateyourmarriage.com)
• With determined intentionality, make the decision to do at least 1 act of kindness every day for your spouse that he/she would never expect.
• “Married love is hard work because it requires us to think of our spouse instead of ourself and our natural bent is to think of ourself 1st.” (Bill and Nancie Carmichael)
Plus:
• “One who will cheat with you is prone to cheat on you.” (Marriage Thought from Marriage Works!)
• “Marriage: Love is the reason. Lifelong friendship is the gift. Kindness is the cause. Til’ death do us part is the length.” (Fawn Weaver)
• “Puritans called marriage ‘the little church within the church.’ Everyday in marriage, you’re to love and forgive. It’s an ongoing sacrament.” (Bill Moyers)
• “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.”(Janice Maeditere)
• “You married each other to be intimate partners, not traffic controllers. That requires time just being together.” Pro-actively find a way! (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “Arguments are a natural part of any relationship, but cruelty is not. Happily married partners see each other as allies, not adversaries.” (Frank Pittman)
• “If you are feeling brave, ask your spouse this question: ‘What one thing can I do today that would make me a better spouse to you?’” (Linda Dillow)
• “Pursue God’s dream for your marriage —to reflect your relationship with Jesus and show people around you how love and commitment should work.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “Decisions set directions that lead to destinations.” Be careful… be wise… The future of your marriage could depend upon it. (Quote from Bob Reccord)
• Don’t neglect the basics: the Bible can give you the guidance you need to learn how to live with and love your spouse, as you should. Read it!
• If you have children, “get on the same parenting page” otherwise your home will be “anything but peaceful.” Do the grown-up thing and unite. (Arlene Pellicane)
Additionally:
• Take strict control of your “communication” gadgets and TV, or they’ll steal from you conversation times you should have with your spouse.
• “A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Keep in mind that: “Marriage is a covenant between three, not two.” (Quote by Dennis Rainey)
• “If you didn’t know a good marriage when you were growing up, find people who are married who do, and find out how they do it.” (Frank Pittman)
• “9 powerful words: ‘I was wrong’ … ‘I am sorry’ … ‘Please forgive me.'” When wrong, don’t deny or dodge, USE them. (Gary and Carrie Oliver)
• “Bring back date night. …Date nights are less expensive than marriage counseling.” Be intentional in continually courting your spouse. (Arlene Pellicane)
• “There is no broken marriage that God cannot heal if we together, will give Him the pieces.” (Richard Exley)
• “Do you make an effort to be fully present when you’re interacting with your spouse? Are you aware of how your body language affects them? (From Crosswalk.com article, “How To Say It Even Better —Without Saying A Word, Coaching with Dr. Ann)
• Each day: “Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” (Mother Teresa)
• Question: “When everything begins to war against your marriage, will the 2 of you fight FOR each other or will you fight against?” (Paul Angone)
• “People who once pledged their love at the altar can become strangers living in the same house. What are you doing to keep that from happening to you?” (From Devotional, Women of Character)
Plus, Consider:
• “Our role is not to figure out how to fix our spouse. Our role is: How do we reflect Christ in the marriage?” (Bob Lepine)
• Marriage isn’t supposed to make you happy —it’s supposed to make you married. (Frank Pittman)
• “A healthy daily dose of passionate kissing will boost your marriage and keep the pilot light lit between you.” So, kiss your spouse OFTEN! (Arlene Pellicane)
• Don’t forget to speak with love in mind: ”Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18)
• Are you courteous with strangers? Why should you be less so with the person you claim to love above every other human being —your spouse? (Cindy Wright)
• “How would her father feel if he knew exactly how you treat her? How does her heavenly Father feel about it?” (The Marriage Bed)
• Consider: “You know what it’s like to be married to your mate, but what do you think it’s like for him/her to be married to you?” (Linda Dillow)
• “Lord, when we are wrong, make us willing to change, and when we are right, make us easy to live with.” (Peter Marshall)
• Romance often becomes “an endangered experience after marriage.” Don’t let that happen to you. Put intentionality into loving on each other. (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “If you want to be ‘one who walks in wisdom‘ (Prov. 28:26), you can’t ignore God’s Biblical instructions on how to build a spiritual union.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “Let’s not wait until something happens that pushes us to think about our blessings. May we work to grow deeper in spouse gratitude now.” (Linda Dillow)
Additionally:
• “Be careful not to hold your mate prisoner with fears, suspicions, and experiences from your past relationships.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Use your gentlest voice at home.” “If anyone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him [her] in a spirit of gentleness.” (First quote is anonymous, the second is found in Galatians 6:1)
• “Marriage may be ‘made in heaven’ in the original. But it’s more like one of those kits which comes knocked down for putting together.” (Charlie Shedd)
• “As a married couple, you and your spouse are supposed to bring out the best in one another. Make this your goal.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “The degree of our faithfulness to others [our spouse] is the direct result of our regard for God’s faithfulness to us.” (Beth Moore)
• “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” (Mignon McLaughlin)
• “Love is life lived as a promise, a commitment and a sacrifice for the good of another person. When things get tough, choose love.” -Megan (Money, Marriage and Making it Work”)
• “Be careful not to hold your mate prisoner with fears, suspicions, and experiences from your past relationships.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “When you’re offended at your mate, distance is created between the 2 of you. It’s often an advantage to overlook an offense.” (Prov 19:11) (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Don’t expect your spouse to communicate like you, think like you, or handle money like you. Learn how to make the differences work.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
Plus:
• Your marriage is your garden. Either you tend it well and reap love, or you take it for granted and harvest thorns. (@marriagevelcro)
• Be intentional. Find ways —big and small, to show love to your spouse. God tells us in 1 John 3:18 that we’re to love in both word and deed.
• “Valentine’s Day should be a reminder of the romance we should cultivate 365 days a year, picking dates to do out-of-the-ordinary things.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• This is a wake-up call for those of you that need it. Don’t let strangers treat your spouse with more courtesy and appreciation than you do.
• “Treat your spouse like you would treat Jesus if he came to visit you at your home. Just think how special you would make each other feel.” (As quoted by someone on Facebook quoting something she had heard.)
• Don’t get so caught up in all of the busyness of life that building a good marital relationship falls to the bottom of your “to do” list. (Cindy Wright)
• “What keeps you from openly admitting how much you need your spouse? Tell your spouse, ‘I need you.’ Then share why and how you need him/her.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “There’s no justification for cheating on your spouse. No matter how you spin it, it’s wrong.” (Twitter Quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Marriage is the process of 2 selfish people learning to love one another in the midst of their imperfections.” It takes perseverance! (Quote by Dennis Rainey)
• “More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse.” (Doug Larson)
Additionally:
• “If you want to be ‘one who walks in wisdom’ (Prov. 28:26), you can’t ignore God’s Biblical instructions on how to build a spiritual union.”
• For clarity of importance: Ask yourself “what difference will this think we’re fighting about make in ten years? In one year? In a month?” (Cindy Wright)
• “Criticizing your partner’s character (instead of addressing his/her actions) is a quick way to injure your marriage.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Debt kills marriages. How you manage money as a couple will have an impact on your marriage, your family and your legacy.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “In a world full of people who couldn’t care less, be someone who couldn’t care more.” Show your spouse YOU care. (Author Unknown)
• “Guard the intimacy in your marriage. As a general rule, avoid conversations with others you wouldn’t have if your spouse were present.” (Keri Kitchen)
• “A great spouse loves you as you are. An extraordinary spouse helps you grow; inspires you to be, do and give your very best.” -Fawn Weaver
• “To withhold forgiveness from your mate is to turn a blind eye to your own faults. Freely give what God has freely given you: forgiveness.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• In life, you often reap results from what you put into it. “The more you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it becomes.” (Amy Grant)
• Neither spouse should “boss” the other around. That’s not marriage, that’s management. Serve 1 another in love. (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Speak kindly. If someone were to repeat all the things you say to your [spouse], would it be ‘news that’s fit to print?'”
Plus:
• “Love doesn’t sit there like a stone, it has to be made and re-made everyday like bread.” (Ursula LeGuin) “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jesus)
• “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It’s when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” (Dave Meurer)
• “In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find and continue to find, the grounds for marriage.” (Robert Anderson)
• You didn’t learn how to play an instrument well in 1 night. It will take time to learn how to “make music” with your spouse too. (J&G Murphy)
• Bad marriages don’t cause infidelity; infidelity causes bad marriages. (Frank Pittman)
• “An affair begins at the place where you slowly drop your guard, and leave your heart exposed for someone else to romance. Guard your heart!” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “The power of Christianity is proven best in marriages as people who are self-centered by nature put their spouse’s needs before their own.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “In every marriage, more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find and to continue to find, grounds for marriage.” (Robert Anderson)
• We’re told in 1 Corinthians 13:7, “love is kind.” Question: are you kinder to strangers than to your spouse? If yes, that needs to change. (Cindy Wright)
• “Talking AT your spouse instead of WITH your spouse will throttle the communication in your marriage.” (Twitter quotes from Marriage Works!)
• Protect and “inoculate your marital love from unhealthy influences, like negative media or friends who tear down instead of build up.” (Patricia Hartman)
Plus:
• “Next time you’re feeling like you’re in no hurry to forgive your spouse, think of Christ. What if he did not rush to forgive you?” (Mark J)
• “Watch the weed of resentment. Don’t compare your effort to your spouse’s. Marriage is not 50/50. It’s about giving your all.” (Patricia Hartman)
• “Words of wisdom for all husbands and wives: We easily see what is done to us before we see what we’re doing to our mate.” (Loveandrespect.com)
• “Make a list of 10 of your spouse’s faults, which, for the sake of your marriage, you’ll overlook. You can live with those 10.” (J&G Murphy)
• “Aspire to model marriage behaviors you’d like your children to practice when they marry.” (Marriage Works Twitter quote)
• “Follow God’s example…live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (From Ephesians 5:1-2)
• Are you living “a life of love” —modeling a Christ-honoring, loving and healthy marriage for those around you —especially for your children? (Cindy Wright)
• “Satan loves to hear the words ‘We grew apart.’ God loves to hear you say, ‘We grew in love and in Christ for his glory.'” Grow with God! (Patricia Hartman)
• “Healthy couples perfect the art of listening to each other. This not only diffuses conflict but creates a powerful, loving connection.” (Dr David Hawkins)
• “When we decide to place high value on our spouse, and then back that up with spoken words, it can do wonders for a marriage relationship.” (John Trent and Gary Smalley)
• “Good Motto to live by for the bride and groom: We are a work in progress with a lifetime contract.” (Phyllis Koss)
Plus:
• “Many marriages would be better if the husband and wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.” (Zig Ziglar)
• “Forgiveness for your mate begins when you understand and accept that God has already forgiven you.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• Remember: your wedding ring is a symbol of your commitment to your spouse sickness and in health, in good times and bad. Honor your promises.
• “Marriage is a commitment —a decision to do, ALL through life, that which will express your love for one’s spouse.” (Herman H. Kieval)
• “Express appreciation for each other. Accepting each other makes a stable marriage. Appreciating each other makes a sensational marriage.” (Brett Selby)
• “Marriages, like a garden, take time to grow. But the harvest is rich unto those who patiently and tenderly care for the ground.” (Darlene Schacht)
• “Your priorities aren’t what you SAY they are. They’re revealed by how you live. What does your life say about the value of your marriage?” (Marriage Today)
• “Marriage, from the moment we return from our honeymoon, is about learning to see and savor Christ in all aspects of our relationship.” Do you? (Debi Walter)
• “Our marriages all come with an expiration date. We may have only this day to connect our hearts; tomorrow may not come.” (Bob and Cheryl Moeller)
• “Don’t spin your wheels with gifts if what your spouse wants is loving words, time alone with you, a back-rub or some help with chores.” (Patty Howell)
• Warn your spouse when you’re having a bad day —ask for grace and space. Extend the same courtesy to your spouse, when he or she warns you. (Cindy Wright)
Additionally:
• Love well! “A marriage isn’t a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s the way you love your partner everyday.” (Barbara De Angelis)
• “Learn your spouse’s love language, and endeavor to speak it regularly. It’ll help your spouse feel loved by you.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “In marriage, life is lived in close proximity. You need Christ to love your spouse through you, despite your spouse’s flaws and weaknesses.” (Dennis Rainey)
• “No one can go back and change how it started but a new future for a marriage can begin when one person begins to invest in it.” (Fawn Weaver)
• “Routinely ask yourself: ‘Will doing this make my marriage work?’ Make choices that cause your marriage to progress, not regress.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together thru the years.” (Simone Signoret)
• “Use your gentlest voice at home.” “If anyone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him [her] in a spirit of gentleness.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “When life happens, determine to make love happen. It reorients you with God’s love for you and the love you pledged to your spouse.” (Kevin B Bullard)
• “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another” Romans 13:8. “Speak words of love and gratitude to family when they’re alive. No regrets.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “To withhold forgiveness from your mate is to turn a blind eye to your own faults. Freely give what God has freely given you: forgiveness.”
Plus:
• “A marriage without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs—jolted by every pebble in the road. Humor makes all things tolerable.” (Henry Ward Beecher)
• “If it seems your spouse never listens to you —or is always saying that you don’t listen —ask God to give you both a heart to hear.” (Stormie Omartian)
• “Make it a habit to talk to your spouse about the best and worst parts of each day, to encourage healthy communication” [and marital intimacy]. (Keri Kitchen)
• “Rather than going thru religious activities, hoping to experience God in haphazard ways, pursue God passionately together with your spouse.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “Just be nice. Many marriages could be saved if the husband and wife would just be nice to one another.” “Love is kind.” -1 Corinthians 13:4 (Quote by Stormie Omartian)
• “We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.” (Sam Keen)
• “Set appropriate boundaries to protect your marriage. Giving in to temptation isn’t worth the damage that may be done for a lifetime.” (Keri Kitchen)
• “Turn down the volume when arguing with each other, and turn up the reception in trying to live with each other’s differences!” (Rick Peters)
• “What matters most in discussing hot topics like sex, money or childrearing, is keeping a ‘heart to heart connection’ between the 2 of you.” (Patty Howell)
• “It’s good to do kingdom work for others, but if we don’t do it for our spouse, we need to question other things we do in God’s kingdom.” (John Ortberg)
Additionally:
• “Marriage is not just a private happening.” Spouses are accountable to God. The welfare of the coming generations is also involved. (Dr. W.G. de Vries)
• Work on your own issues. “One of the greatest gifts you can give your husband (or your wife) is your own wholeness.” (Stormie Omartian)
• “Don’t allow polluting words to come out of your mouth. Keep the air clean in your house.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Marriage demands toughness. Toughness proceeds out of commitment. No marriage will ever be stronger than its commitment infrastructure.” (Neil Clark Warren)
• “Think of God as your heavenly Father-in-Law. Keep in mind that God cares passionately about your spouse’s welfare, and you’ll be in trouble with Him if you mistreat your spouse. Remember that your spouse is the son or daughter of God, and do your best to treat him or her that way.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “It’s easy to be critical when your spouse just doesn’t seem to ‘get it.’ Practice being quick to pray, and slow to criticize.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Making your spouse beg for sex violates the scriptures. Your bodies belong to one another.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-4) (Twitter Quote from Marriage Works!)
• “New love is the brightest and long love is the greatest. But revived love is the tenderest thing known on earth.” (Thomas Hardy)
• “Take the word DIVORCE out of your daily conversations—when you’re ‘joking’ or even just being edgy, there’s no need to open this door.” (Sheila Wray Gregoire)
• “Any marriage can recover from hard times if BOTH spouses are willing to put it in the effort, time, and sacrifice to make it work.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
Also:
• “Learn to consider your spouse before yourself. Pray for the ability to love your spouse unselfishly and sacrificially through generous acts of kindness.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “Ask yourself: ‘How would I like to be married to me?’ on a regular basis. Pray about and work on the personal issues you need to address.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “Ways to make your marriage last: Be kind. Be sexually generous. Be there. Plus, be grateful. Be helpful.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they’re still alive.” (Olando Battista)
• “With our words we either beat the life out of our marriage or we cultivate, feed, and water it to ensure happy years ahead.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)
• “Adultery is never the answer, never right, and never God’s will.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Let’s cherish the ‘now’ we’ve been given, and do all we can to glorify Christ both in our personal lives and in our marriages.” (Debi Walter)
• In marriage: “Don’t be afraid to be playful and intentional with your touch. It’s a simple, yet profound, way to endear you to each other.” (Julie Silbert)
• “The cycle of revenge will destroy a marriage until one spouse is wise and godly enough to forgive.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Marriage is our society’s most pro-child institution. If you want kids to do well, then you want marriage to do well.” (David Blankenhorn)
• “Help each other to be accountable. Ask your spouse for honesty, support and encouragement in specific areas in which you want to grow.” (Dr David Clarke)
Additionally:
• “Secrets in marriage are like termites in the wall of a house. They can’t be seen nor heard, but they do great damage.” (Twitter quote from Marriage Works!)
• “God entrusted your spouse to you. That person is your primary mission field. Remember, even the best marriages struggle at times.” (Patricia Hartman)
Purposefully show your spouse love and courtesy. He/she is the one you vowed to love above every other human being. Show it by your actions. (Cindy Wright)
• “Ask older couples what marriage practices work well for them. Learn some marriage wisdom from couples you admire.” (Whitney Hopler)
• Be aware: “Sarcasm, cool and trendy language is fun when you see them on TV, but they aren’t the stuff of marital closeness and caring.” (Patty Howell)
• “If you have a problem with your spouse, bring it up to him/her at the right time, and in the right manner.” (Marriage Works! Twitter quote)
• “Forge a Bond: Engaging in ‘In-It Together’ activities is one of the ways to strengthen the marital bond between the two of you.” (Patty Howell)
• “The secret of a Christian marriage will be found in Christ who gave Himself for the church so that through His power husband and wife can give themselves to each other.” (Dr. W.G. de Vries)
• Beware of the “I’m entitled” philosophy. It can poison your marriage as it draws the energy and life out of your relationship.
• “Victory for one spouse at the other’s expense is actually a loss for both.” (Marriage Works! Twitter quote)
• Could the marital problem you persevered thru, be what God wants to use as your ministry to help others who share in the same struggle?
Plus, Consider:
• “The way we relate to each other as a married couple is the best model for helping children learn the pleasing use of the tongue.” (Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
• “Intentional effort to build your marriage thru all seasons of life is worth the relationship you’ll reap. Invest in little ways everyday.” (Lori Byerly)
• “Love does not envy or boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) Consider: Do you highlight what you do “right” in proportion to how lacking your spouse is? (Cindy Wright)
• Consider: “What if you left your spouse a short note every day for a week? Short words of affection and encouragement can be powerful.” (Doug Fields)
• Be on the alert: “The enemy of your soul is also the enemy of your marriage and therefore the enemy of your communication.” (Stormie Omartian)
• In marriage, thinking alike isn’t as important as determining to THINK TOGETHER. Don’t let the “me” sabotage the “we” in the relationship.
• “A relationship is like a house. When a light bulb burns out you don’t go out and buy a new house, you change the light bulb.” (Unknown)
• “AVOID BLAMING: Blame is a relationship cancer —destroying love, caring, closeness, and everything you come in contact with.” (Patty Howell)
• “Actively seek God by praying together and for each other daily. Dedicate a specific time to pray together, away from daily distractions.” (Patricia Hartman)
• Faithfully pray together as husband and wife. “Inviting the God of the universe into your marriage on a daily basis will change things!” (Dennis Rainey)
• “When all you think about is your spouse’s faults, any other man or woman will look better. Increase encouragement and decrease criticism.” (Jill Savage)
Additionally:
• “There is much of sin covered up under the holy name of marriage that is a cause of spiritual deadness, and powerlessness in prayer.” (R.A. Torrey)
• Do you waste time on things that don’t matter to the neglect of your spouse? Beware and take care. Invest in your marriage relationship today. (Cindy Wright)
• “Your relationship needs and deserves TLC (tender loving care) so give yourselves regular doses of alone-together-having-fun times.” (Patty Howell)
• “‘Love edifies.‘ (1 Corinthians 8:1) Love builds up and makes stronger. WHAT we say and HOW we say it can either communicate love or total disregard.” (Stormie Omartian)
• “The more things we can laugh about, the more alive we become: The more things we can laugh about together, the more connected we become.” (Frank Pittman)
• “Don’t compare your love story to those you watch in movies. They’re written by screenwriters, yours is written by God.” (Unknown)
• “Noticing attractive people won’t stop when you get married. However, going after them should. Be faithful to your spouse!” (Marriage Works!)
• While arguing: “Slowing down, softening your tone of voice, your words, your body language, and your pace can have dramatic effects.” (National Institute of Marriage)
“Have lots and lots of grace for one another; and true love (see 1 Corinthians 13). Your spouse will not and cannot be perfect.” (Amy Allen)
• “Keep the fire lit in your marriage and your life together will be filled with warmth.” (Fawn Weaver)
• “Focus on what’s positive. Ask God to help you change negative thinking about your spouse to positive thinking.” (Whitney Hopler)
• “Kissing is a means of getting two people so close together that they can’t see anything wrong with each other.” (Rene Yasenek)
Finally:
• “A wrong start in marriage does not justify another wrong step.” (Bill Elliff) God can redeem and bring good out of that which we give to Him.
• When arguing with spouse: “Stay clear of ‘character assassination’ —don’t assign negative labels to each other (e.g., ‘You’re so lazy’).” (Drs Les and Leslie Parrott)
• “Ask God to keep you both aware of the enemy’s hand trying to stir up strife and misunderstandings between you. Don’t allow it to happen.” (Stormie Omartian)
• “Happy marriages are based on a deep friendship. By this I mean a mutual respect for and enjoyment of each other’s company.” (John Gottman)
• “The love of God has already been poured out in your heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Partner with God.” (Quote from Marriage Works!)
• “Practice non-random acts of kindness. Intentionally focus on looking at your spouse’s well-being by doing what you can to help him or her simply to express love and without expecting anything in return.” (Whitney Hopler)
• Look for humor. “Humor banishes the tightness and the severity necessary for anger. If mirth is experienced, rage is impossible.” (William Frey)
• “Focus on solutions, not problems. If your goal is to help your spouse or the relationship, dwelling on the problem won’t get you anywhere.” (Kira Newman)
• “Contracts are limited and renewable; marriage is a permanent, life-long commitment. It is about self-sacrifice, not self-satisfaction.” (Chuck Colson)
• “WIFM? What’s in it for me? If this is how we act in our marriages, are we surprised when our kids don’t give, serve, and live selflessly?” (Alecia, gleaned from the Marriagelifeministries.org article, WIFM?”)
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