It’s no secret that marriage is hard. But when we understand and apply God’s principles
for marriage, we can strengthen our relationship and change the atmosphere in our
homes.

Before we begin, these principles are intended for a healthy marriage. They are not
meant to excuse or encourage anyone to remain in an abusive or unsafe situation.
Abuse is never acceptable, and seeking help is not a failure to honor God’s design for
marriage.

When I began putting these principles into practice in my marriage in 2003, things
changed for the better. Even today, as I seek to live them out, I see the difference they
make.

1. She provides companionship.

Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable
for him.”

God created you to be your husband’s companion—his friend, someone with whom he
can share life. We are meant to enjoy one another’s company, share experiences, and
walk through life together.

Do you engage in conversations about things that interest him, even when they might
not interest you? Does everyone else come before him? Be careful not to let life’s
busyness crowd out your friendship with your husband.

2. She’s his helper.

I once witnessed a disagreement between a friend and her husband. After exchanging
heated words, she blurted out, “I am not your secretary. You do it!” Sadly, their marriage
eventually ended.

Being a helper doesn’t mean becoming a doormat. It means coming alongside our
husbands, supporting them, and helping them succeed.

And before you think being a helper sounds beneath you, remember that God Himself is
called our Helper (John 14:26). It’s a beautiful opportunity to reflect His heart through
serving and encouraging our husbands.

3. She respects him.

Ephesians 5:33 says, “Each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife
must respect her husband.”

We can unintentionally communicate disrespect through our tone of voice, speaking
negatively about him, disagreeing publicly rather than privately, or criticizing his quirks.

We can disagree without being disrespectful. Ask yourself, Does the way I speak to my
husband communicate that I value and respect him?

4. She’s sensitive to his physical needs.

Need I say more? I’ll let Scripture do the talking.

First Corinthians 7:5 teaches husbands and wives not to deprive one another of sexual
intimacy.

Physical intimacy is an important part of marriage. Be intentional about nurturing this
connection, communicating openly, and caring for one another’s needs.

5. She prays for him.

Prayer is a game-changer! Many years ago, I learned the value of keeping my mouth
shut and going to my knees in prayer.

As a result, I’ve seen God move mountains. A home filled with tension has been
replaced with peace. Instead of holding on to anger or bitterness over difficult situations,
I’ve watched God soften hearts, change perspectives, and bring healing—sometimes in
me, sometimes in my husband.

Prayer reminds us that we don’t have to change our husbands through our own efforts.
We can bring our concerns to God and trust Him to work.

Marriage will never be perfect because neither spouse is perfect. But when we invite
Jesus into our everyday interactions and follow His Word, our homes can carry the
sweet aroma of Jesus—a fragrance that comes from learning to love God and one
another well.

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Hospitality: Hostess and Guests- The Art of Gathering Well

November 12,2026

** Special Offer!** Bring a friend for just $10

See the event registration page for more details.

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Grab a copy of Tara’s Marriage Study!

Your marriage will jump-start in seven days using the seven principles found in this book.

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