I enjoy research because it helps me to understand why and how something works, and how to make it better. Research about relationships and marriage is fascinating because of the tools that it gives to create connected relationships.  With that said what I love is the truth I find in scripture.

There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 MSG

I started as a young boy going to scripture for answers.  The Bible helped to give me guidance and a foundation to build life and relationships on.  I was blessed as a child to have grandparents and parents that fostered that love of scripture.

Here are a few verses that have been a guide to me.  Read them over and meditate on them.  I really believe that scripture should create a reaction.  The reaction should create change in our heart and mind.

• Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.– 1 Peter 4:8 MSG
  • True love is a behavior not just a feeling.  Your love for each other should be sacrificial.  You have to give up selfishness to truly love.
• And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV
  • I am amazed what two people can do together that are truly committed to each other.  Two people connected to each and Christ can change the world around them.
• with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV
  • Humility is knowing who you are.  When you know who you are in Christ gentleness, kindness and peace are an overflow of what have in your heart.
• What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. – Mark 10:9 ESV
  • Let nothing separate you.  Don’t let time, work or anther person come between you.  Don’t let the busyness of life or kids pull you apart.
• I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. – Jeremiah 29:11 MSG
  • You have a future together.  No matter what brought you together God will work it together for your good and His glory.
• However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. – Ephesians 5:33 MSG
  • Love and respect are the cornerstone of a good marriage.  God made you both to need these things.  Without them it is difficult to build trust and connection.
• If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

  Love never gives up.
  Love cares more for others than for self.
  Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
  Love doesn’t strut,
  Doesn’t have a swelled head,
  Doesn’t force itself on others,
  Isn’t always “me first,”
  Doesn’t fly off the handle,
  Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
  Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
  Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
  Puts up with anything,
  Trusts God always,
  Always looks for the best,
  Never looks back,
  But keeps going to the end. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 MSG

  Let love guide you.  Make your faith in Christ and scripture the foundation of your marriage.