Search

Marriage

Happy couple laughing.

Why Marriage Matters for Adults

Is marriage an old-fashioned, outmoded institution? Is it merely a piece of paper, having no real impact on our lives?

A photo of a man looking apologetically at a woman, whose back is turned. He is longing for forgiveness.

What Does Forgiveness and Restoration Mean?

So what does forgiveness mean? The first step to understanding forgiveness is learning what it is and isn’t.

A young couple sit close together in the sun, gazing into each other's eyes.

What Is Intimacy?

What is intimacy? What is the definition of intimacy? Sometimes people will do just about anything to get close to someone they find interesting, intriguing, or just plain irresistible. Is that being intimate? “Our souls crave intimacy.” — Erwin Raphael McManus The Pull of Intimacy Sometimes singles will do just about anything to get close …

Man and woman exchanging wedding vows

Should Civil Marriage Matter to Christians?

civil marriage (noun) a marriage performed, solemnized, recorded, and recognized by a government official as a civil contract.

A young couple discussing a crisis or an issue they're having.

ADHD and Marriage: How to Handle Common Conflict Patterns

When ADHD and marriage go together, you can face repeating conflict patterns. But you can lessen those patterns and strengthen your marriage.

A couple holding hands on their wedding day.

Are You Planning for a Marriage or Just Your Wedding?

Planning for “the day” or for a lifetime? Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the benefits of preparing for marriage and the beauty of God’s design for marriage.

How Should a Christian View Marriage and Divorce?

God, the Creator of humanity and of marriage itself, has laid out His plan for marriage as a lifelong union.

A photo of a man hiding a bouquet of roses and a gift box behind his back as a surprise for Valentine's Day.

25 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Spouse

It’s not always easy to find the right gift for your spouse. We’re here to help with a list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him or her. Check it out!

A mature, empty nest couple sit on a couch and look adoringly into each other's eyes.

Keeping a Full Marriage During Empty-Nest Years

With every major life change, couples have to re-invent their relationship. The empty-nest season can usher in emotionally charged situations and major lifestyle adjustments.

An angry young couple sit on a couch engaged in a heated argument.

What Does the Bible Say about Fighting in Marriage?

It’s normal to have conflict — and it’s unavoidable. According to the Bible, what matters most is how you handle the fighting in your marriage.

A couple who were just married stand amidst fireworks on their wedding night.

Prep for the Wedding Night

A little preparation before the wedding will go a long way.

Man and a woman sitting on the couch showing respect for one another.

Communicating Respect in Your Marriage

An attitude of respect paves the way for you to show respect for your mate. Respect does not indicate that you agree on everything, but it does mean that you give your spouse the freedom to be an individual.

A man grabs his spouse's aggressively, symbolizing physical abuse in marriage.

What Is Physical Abuse in Marriage?

Physical abuse is a means of coercively controlling another through fear and intimidation. It involves intentionally or recklessly using physical force that may result in bodily injury or physical pain.

A woman hugs her husband after receiving a gift celebrating a wedding anniversary.

Anniversaries Are as Important as the Wedding

Celebrating an anniversary shows that marriage is a priority in our life. It gives us a chance to pull back from the daily grind and relive a moment that changed our life forever.

Photo of a married couple talking to eahc other on the couch as a model of communication and conflict in marriagel

Communication and Conflict in Marriage

Don’t fear the conflict in your marriage. Conflict is actually a key component of communication. Use it to the benefit of your marriage.

A woman, out of focus, apologizing to her spouse. Her hand is on his shoulder, but he is turned away from her, in focus, and looks like he doesn't know how to forgive her.

Understanding Forgiveness: When You Don’t Know How

There is tremendous mercy and power in God’s forgiveness of her own sins.

Laughing young Asian couple looking at a smartphone

Conversation Starters for Date Nights

The goal of a great marriage conversation is to affirm what your spouse is doing right, to exchange ideas and to offer suggestions for the future. Use these questions to get that process started.

A woman's hand reaches out to the shadow hand of her depression, which has come back for her again.

Depression’s Persistent Attacks

While you may have beaten depression once or twice, don’t drop your guard. This dark monster can slide back into your life if you’re not looking, especially if you don’t know how to best manage it.

A young couple gazes into each other’s eyes with warmth and affection, symbolizing the importance of sexual integrity in relationships.

Why Should I Say “No” to Sex if I’m Not a Virgin?

When virginity is lost, you might be wondering, what’s the point of abstaining from sex?

Graphic of a married couple and a heart, shattered and pieced back together because they fight for love.

When Love Is Broken: 3 Things to Remember When Your Spouse Breaks Your Trust

After my husband confessed his pornography addiction, I wondered if I could ever love him again. But we fought for love — and won.