Have you ever heard the statistic that 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce? With that kind of outlook, who would even want to try? That's like saying 50 percent of all your meals will make you sick!

Fortunately, recent studies seem to disprove this old wives tale. Regardless of the real statistics, the fact is, your marriage can last forever. Even if you're single, the information here will help you in your romantic relationships and increase your chance of lifelong marriage bliss.

So here are a few rules to follow to secure a happy home...

1. Establish your own private home.

• "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).

God's rule is specific. A married couple must leave father and mother and establish their own home, even if finances require that it be a one-room apartment. Husband and wife should decide together on such policies as these. Then she should inform her relatives and he, his. They must remain firm no matter who opposes. Thousands of divorces would be avoided if this rule were carefully followed.

2. Continue your courtship.

• "Her husband ... praiseth her" (Proverbs 31:28).
• "She that is married careth ... how she may please her husband" (1 Corinthians 7:34).

The courtesies of courtship in your married life must continue. Keep love growing by expressing love for one another or it will die, and you will drift apart. Spend as much time as possible doing things together. Learn to greet each other with enthusiasm. Try to "outlove" each other.

Finding someone to marry is the easy part. Staying married takes a little more work. But it's worth it!

3. Keep Christ in the center of your home.

• "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (Psalms 127:1).
• "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:6).

This is the greatest rule. Put Christ first!

The real secret of true happiness in the home is not diplomacy, strategy, and untiring effort to overcome problems, but rather, union with Christ. Hearts filled with Christ's love can never be very far apart. With Christ in the home, marriage will be successful. The gospel is the cure for all marriages that are filled with hatred, bitterness, and disappointment. It prevents thousands of divorces by miraculously restoring love and happiness. It will save your marriage, too, if you are willing.

For the whole list of 17 marriage-strengthening rules, see our Study Guide,
Keys for a Happy Marriage.

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