---
title: "8 Proven Ingredients to a Loving Marriage"
date: 2026-09-28
author: "Laurie Stroud"
featured_image: "https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Bride-and-Groom.jpg"
categories:
  - name: "Marriage"
    url: "/category/news/family/marriage.md"
tags:
  - name: "Featured"
    url: "/tag/featured.md"
---

# 8 Proven Ingredients to a Loving Marriage

**Special Feature**

Is the love in your marriage like an enticing, flavorless entrée, appetizing in appearance yet blah in essence? When you said, “I do,” you thought your marriage would overflow with laughter and good times. You never imagined life would include hum-drum days and not-so-happy nights. Marriage for you would be different. You had dreams of fun adventures and delightful romance with your perfect spouse. Those dreams came true and lasted for a while. Now, boredom has replaced the excitement. Do not be discouraged. With a few proven adjustments, you can revive your marriage.

**The Analysis.** As an irresistible dessert with the wrong ingredients is disappointing, a marriage without luster is disheartening. Does the love in your marriage resemble a distasteful dish? Is there a lack of interest and a determination to withhold affection? What shifted? Did work or unplanned circumstances create tension? Stress and disappointment can weaken your relationship. Ignored, these disruptors spoil the joy of marriage and lead to isolation, disconnection, and misunderstanding.

**The Plan.** It is time to prepare. Just as delectable savory dishes need salt, herbs, and spices, marriage needs attention and intentionality. Frequent check-ins are crucial to keep a marriage fresh and healthy. May I offer eight ideas to add flavor to your marriage?

1. Renew your commitment to Christ and each other.
2. Talk face-to-face with each other.
3. Listen to understand.
4. Forgive.
5. Encourage and compliment.
6. Reflect on the good times.
7. Incorporate purposeful changes.
8. Extend grace and patience as Christ does toward you.

Christ Jesus is the perfect model and teacher. He left an unforgettable picture of sacrificial love, not framed with mushy feelings. This kind of commitment is sometimes difficult, painful, and susceptible to rejection. The Bible describes love this way: *“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”* (Romans 5:8). Lean on Christ for help. He cares. He restores unions and makes them new. The psalmist reminds us that God’s love never ends. He writes, *“His love endures forever.”* (Psalm 136:1). Mix love and patience together and allow the Lord to produce what your marriage needs. A healthy marriage thrives from vigilance and care. So, zest up your marriage and watch Christ restore your relationship into one that gratifies. In time, you will enjoy a marriage that is pleasing to you, your spouse, and the Lord.

**You’re invited** to Biblical Marriage Institute’s Benefit Banquet on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Join the movement to leave a legacy for future generations. [Click here for details and registration](http://www.biblicalmarriageinstitute.org/banquet-2026.html).

*-Vanessa Jones*

*Mother, Bible teacher, speaker, and writer*

*Co-founder and Vice President of Biblical Marriage Institute*

[*BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org*](http://BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org)