Intentional

At the end of every premarital counseling course, I close with the subject of Intentional. After years of working with couples, I’m convinced that if you master these three practices — not perfectly, but intentionally — you will carry the most important parts of the entire journey with you.

Befreind Intentionally

Marriage thrives when you choose, again and again, to be each other’s closest friend. Friendship doesn’t happen accidentally; it grows through shared time, laughter, curiosity, and choosing connection even when life gets busy. Scripture calls us to "be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love" (Rom. 12:10) and to walk in unity and gentleness, "forbearing one another in love" (Eph. 4:2). These qualities are the soil where friendship in marriage flourishes

Forive Intentionally

Forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a decision. Every marriage will face moments of disappointment or misunderstanding. Scripture calls us to "forbear one another, and forgive one another" (Col. 3:13), reminding us that forgiveness is a Christlike choice, not an emotional reaction. Intentional forgiveness keeps your hearts soft, your home safe, and your covenant strong. As Paul writes, we are to be "kind… tenderhearted, forgiving one another" (Eph. 4:32), extending to our spouse the same grace God has extended to us.

Be Faithful Intentionally

Faithfulness is more than avoiding betrayal — it’s actively choosing loyalty, honor, and devotion. Scripture calls husbands to love their wives "as Christ also loved the church" (Eph. 5:25), and wives to honor and support their husbands "as unto the Lord" (Eph. 5:22). This kind of faithfulness is not passive; it is a daily decision to show up with your whole heart, to guard your marriage, and to invest in the love you promised. Paul ends the chapter by calling marriage a "great mystery" (Eph. 5:32), reminding us that your faithfulness to one another is meant to reflect Christ’s faithful, covenant love for His people.