Strengthen your triple cord (10 mins.)
We live in an age where technology constantly surrounds us. Phones, social media, and other digital devices can be a useful tool for connecting with loved ones and accessing valuable information, but they can also become an obstacle to our closest relationships, such as marriage. Often, without realizing it, we spend more time in front of a screen than with the people we care about most.
Make time for good conversations
The Bible reminds us that there is a time for everything and that we must find a healthy balance in our lives.
LET'S READ ECCLESIASTES 3:1
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under the heavens.”
This includes time to talk with our spouse. When we don't set aside quality time to talk, the relationship can weaken.
Sociologist and technology and relationship expert Sherry Turkle discusses the “multitasking myth.” According to her, we believe we can divide our attention and that's enough, but in reality, when our attention is divided, our connection with others weakens.
It's easy to fall into the trap of always being connected to our phone, tablet, or other devices, and this can have a negative impact on our marriage. The emotional connection with our spouse can weaken when we allow technology to get in the way.
Therefore, it's very important that we make a conscious effort to put down our devices and have a real conversation about our feelings and what Jehovah is doing in our lives. A good conversation strengthens the emotional and spiritual bond between couples.
Do things together
Another very practical way to strengthen your marriage relationship is to do activities together.
LET'S READ ECCLESIASTES 4:9
“Two are better than one, for they have a greater return for their hard work.”
The Bible gives us a good example in the marriage of Aquila and Priscilla. They worked together as tentmakers and also preached together (Acts 18:2-3, 18, 26). This allowed them to feel like a true team and have the opportunity to converse.
Today, couples can also seek out bonding activities. Some enjoy cooking together, going for walks, preaching together, or simply turning off their phones and enjoying a meal without interruptions.
The example of Bruno and his wife Taís is interesting: they found a way to prioritize their time together. They decided to put away their phones when they're together, and that has helped them better enjoy the moments they share.
If you feel you have few interests in common, you can start small. Find something you both enjoy doing that doesn't cause problems. This way, you can keep the flame of your love burning and strengthen your marriage. The important thing is the willingness to spend quality time together.
Both of you should strive to strengthen your relationship with Jehovah.
However, there is something even more fundamental to strengthening your marriage relationship: that both of you strive to maintain a good relationship with Jehovah.
LET'S READ ECCLESIASTES 4:12
“Furthermore, one who walks alone can be defeated, but two together can stand against the aggressor. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
That threefold cord is the husband, wife, and Jehovah united. When each person cultivates their friendship with Jehovah, striving to imitate his qualities, such as patience, kindness, and loyal love, marriage becomes a haven of peace and respect.
Lena, a married sister, put it this way: “How easy it is to love and respect a spiritual person.”
Reading the Bible together, praying as a couple, and discussing what we've learned in meetings not only strengthens our bond with Jehovah but also enriches our marriage relationship. The Bible offers valuable principles that can guide us in our marriage and help us overcome challenges.
Distance can create feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and it can be challenging to find ways to communicate effectively and keep the love alive in our relationship. However, by reflecting on this and finding ways to maintain our connection and love for each other, we can overcome these challenges and strengthen our relationship.
Jehovah, as the originator of marriage, is pleased when we follow his principles. And when we do, we enjoy a happy, strong, and healthy marriage that reflects the love he desires for us.
Illustration
The image in our activity guide shows a happy couple reading the Bible together, highlighting the importance of sharing time to strengthen our emotional and spiritual bond. By reading the Bible, we can find principles that help us improve our relationship and live according to Jehovah's purposes for marriage.
Conclusion
We have seen three practical ways to strengthen marriage:
1. Make time for good conversations.
2. Do things together.
3. Both of you should strive to maintain a good relationship with Jehovah.
If we apply these principles, we will achieve a strong marriage, capable of withstanding the distractions of the modern world, and most importantly, one that reflects Jehovah's wisdom and love.
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