Newlyweds hope that the happiness they felt on their wedding day will last forever. And it can. Christians who have been married a long time and who have worked hard to apply the Bible’s advice know that this is possible.

1. What advice does the Bible give to husbands?

Jehovah has appointed the husband as the head of the family. (Read Ephesians 5:23.) Jehovah expects him to make decisions that will benefit the family. The Bible advises husbands: “Continue loving your wives.” (Ephesians 5:25) What does that mean? A loving husband treats his wife kindly, both at home and in public. He protects her from harm and does his best to care for her physical and emotional needs. (1 Timothy 5:8) Most important, he takes the lead in caring for her spiritual needs. (Matthew 4:4) For example, he can pray and read the Bible with his wife. When a husband lovingly cares for his wife, he maintains his friendship with Jehovah.​—Read 1 Peter 3:7.

2. What advice does the Bible give to wives?

God’s Word says that a wife “should have deep respect for her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33) How can she do that? She can think about her husband’s good qualities and the efforts he makes to care for her and their children. She can also show respect by supporting the decisions he makes and by speaking kindly to him and about him, even if he is not a believer.

3. How can a couple strengthen their marriage?

The Bible says about married couples: “The two will be one flesh.” (Matthew 19:5) This means they must fight against any tendency to grow apart. They do so by regularly spending time together and by openly and lovingly sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other. They do not let anything or anyone​—other than Jehovah—​be more important than their mate. They are especially careful not to cultivate an inappropriate relationship with anyone else.

 DIG DEEPER

4. Husbands​—love and take good care of your wife

5. Wives​—love and respect your husband

The Bible encourages a wife to respect her husband whether he serves Jehovah or not. Read 1 Peter 3:1, 2, and then discuss these questions:

• If you have an unbelieving husband, doubtless you want him to worship Jehovah. What do you think would be more effective​—constantly preaching to him or displaying good conduct and showing a respectful attitude? Why?

Husbands and wives can make good decisions together. However, at times a wife may disagree  with her husband. She may then express her thoughts calmly and respectfully, but she must recognize that Jehovah has given him the responsibility to decide what is best for the family. She should do her best to support his decision. By doing so, she contributes to a happy atmosphere at home. Read 1 Peter 3:3-5, and then discuss this question:

• How does Jehovah feel when a wife shows respect for her husband?

6. You can overcome problems in your marriage

 SUMMARY

A husband and wife can be happy when they love each other, respect each other, and apply Bible principles.

Review

• How can a husband contribute to a happy marriage?

• How can a wife contribute to a happy marriage?

• If you are married, which Bible principle could help strengthen your marriage?