10 Biblical Rules for a Happy Marriage

A quick look at the scriptures will show you what true happiness in a marriage really means.

Here are just 10 Bible verses that clue us in on how a godly marriage should work:

• Never bring up mistakes of the past.
  Stop criticizing others or it will come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven (Luke 6:37).
• Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
  And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? (Mark 8:36)
• Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
  And don't sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26).
• At least once a day, try to say something complimentary to your spouse.
  Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
• Never meet without an affectionate welcome.
  Kiss me again and again, your love is sweeter than wine (Song of Solomon 1:2).
• "For richer or poorer" - rejoice in every moment that God has given you together.
  A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate (Proverbs 15:17).
• If you have a choice between making yourself or your mate look good, choose your mate.
  Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them (Proverbs 3:27).
• If they're breathing, your mate will eventually offend you. Learn to forgive.
  I am warning you, if another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him. Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him (Luke 17:3, 4).
• Don't use faith, the Bible, or God as a hammer.
  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17).
• Let love be your guidepost.
  Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5).