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Daily Habits That Strengthen a Christian Marriage
Author: Dave Jenkins Show: Contending for the Word Q&A Date: January 12, 2026Show Summary
Strong marriages are not built through occasional grand gestures, but through daily habits shaped by God’s Word. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, we answer the question: What daily habits strengthen marriage? Anchored in Romans 12:10, we explore five simple but powerful practices that cultivate unity, communication, prayer, encouragement, and consistent expressions of covenant love.Question: What daily rhythms, attitudes, and practices help husbands and wives grow in unity and Christlike love day by day?Listen
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Key Scripture
- Romans 12:10 — “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
- Proverbs 18:21 — The power of words to build or tear down.
- Galatians 5:13 — “Serve one another in love.”
- Song of Solomon — The goodness of affectionate love within marriage.
Episode Highlights
- Why strong marriages are built through ordinary faithfulness over time.
- How daily habits cultivate connection, communication, prayer, and encouragement.
- Five practical habits that strengthen marriage biblically and relationally.
Full Episode Notes
Anchor Truth
Daily habits strengthen marriage when they cultivate connection, communication, prayer, encouragement, and consistent expressions of covenant love.Five Daily Habits That Strengthen Marriage
1) Pray Together
Prayer does not need to be long or complicated. A simple, sincere prayer unites hearts before God. Daily prayer builds humility, peace, spiritual intimacy, dependence on Christ, and tenderness toward one another. Couples who pray together grow together.2) Speak with Kindness and Grace
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the tongue has the power of life and death. Daily kindness includes gentle tones, encouraging words, appreciation, and honest but gracious communication. Small words of kindness build trust; small words of harshness tear it down.3) Express Affection
Song of Solomon shows that affectionate love matters. Affection can be a hug, holding hands, a touch on the shoulder, a kind word, or a simple reminder: “You are loved. You matter. I’m here.” These small acts protect and deepen intimacy.4) Serve One Another
Galatians 5:13 calls believers to serve one another in love. Daily service may look like helping with tasks, easing burdens, listening well, taking initiative, or doing something helpful without being asked. Small acts of service communicate deep love.5) Check In Emotionally
Many marriages struggle not only because of conflict, but because of disconnect. Daily check-ins build unity: “How are you feeling today?” “What’s weighing on you?” “How can I pray for you?” “How can I encourage you?” Emotional connection strengthens spiritual and relational intimacy.Closing Encouragement
Great marriages are not built overnight. They are built over time in the little things—second by second, day by day, year by year, through ordinary faithfulness. Ask the Lord to help you build daily habits that make your marriage strong in Him.Takeaways & Reflection Questions
- Which of the five habits is strongest in your marriage right now? Which needs the most attention?
- What would “praying together” look like for you this week in a simple, sustainable way?
- Are your words more often building up or tearing down? What is one change you can make today?
- How can you show affection and serve your spouse in a small, meaningful way this week?
- What question could you ask each day to strengthen emotional connection?
Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe and share it with a friend. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.




