Marriage Traits for Success

'Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His Divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."2 Peter 1:2-8 . 

How do these virtues strengthen a marriage relationship?

Here is a list of traits that couples said contributed to their having a blessed Marriage.

1. They make room for each other
2. They maintain their own unique likes and activities
3. They are not jealous
4. They stick together
5. They show respect
6. They trust each other
7. They have a good sense of humor
8. They grow in the Lord together
9. They are committed to making the marriage work
10. They plan time together
11. They talk things through
12. They make major decisions together
13. They make room for differences
14. They encourage each other
15. They pray and seek God's will
16. They are in it for long term
17. They speak truth in love
18. They place the others interest before their own
19. They communicate their love daily
20. More concerned with rather they are living up to God's expectations verses worrying about if the other one is adding as much to the relationship
21. They are quick to forgive
22. They enjoy all levels of intimacy
23. They are honest

They practice hospitality together

Some relationships that have unresolved issues start keeping record of the wrongs and at the wrong time explode on their spouse. Pray before you speak and be sure to share how valuable they are to you. Forgive and then forget. No one can rise above someone constantly picking at them like a chicken and complaining about every little thing. Remember that we are human and without the Holy Spirit to guide us we can easily fall into selfish, ways. Grace is key for everyone in relationship, and the Lords grace is sufficient for us. 

Refuse to exaggerate, or make accusations, or generalize things, put things in proper perspective and remember this to will pass. When we can step back and value our spouse as a gift from God and realize they struggle just like we do we can make such a powerful impact on our relationship. Start today , and allow your relationship to be empowered by the Holy spirit.