Photo Credit: Unsplash “Great marriages don’t happen by luck or by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, prayer, mutual respect, and a rock-solid commitment between a husband and a wife.” – Dave Willis

Marriage is life changing. Marriage is an adjustment. Marriage is also a beautiful union between a man and a woman. It takes work and patience with someone you vowed a lifetime commitment to. There is so much to learn from each other during that process.

Like many newly weds, I am certain you have and will receive an outpour of advice from both family members and friends, but keeping God at the center of your marriage is primary. My husband and I discussed what we learned in the first year of marriage. I can tell you there was much to learn and much more to take in. We would not exchange this beautiful journey with anything.

Here are five tips you should keep in mind now that you are married.

1. Pray Together, Pray for Each Other.

Prayer is essential in every relationship in life, especially your marriage. “Talking to God about your husband is an act of love”–Stormie Omartian. Praying for your husband helps strengthen a foundation, creates unity and keeps peace in your home. Be specific in your prayer and keep your spouse lifted daily.

2. Respect One Another

“Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33 NKJV). Respect is one of the most important aspects for man to have. Study show that being respected is even more important than being loved by their wife.

3. Be Patient With Each Other

Patience is a virtue we all should possess. The two of you have now become one but there are still two different personalities present. Be patient with each other as you both grow in your new season of togetherness. Show grace to one another.

4. Learn Each Other’s Love Language

According to Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, we all have primary love languages that help us connect. A love language tells us how we like to be loved. Knowing your own and your husband’s language of love would help deeper connect with each other.

5. Cultivate and create a loving home.

Your home is your sanctuary. This is a place where a lot of things happen. You live, play and eat here. Make every effort to cultivate and create a home with love. Bless your home and pray God’s protection over it.