Intentional connections are the cornerstone of a healthy marriage—a holy bond braided with threads of love, devotion, and shared experiences. Setting aside quality time to bond becomes essential to maintaining a solid and resilient marriage in the midst of everyday chaos. Today we explore the relevance of cherishing moments together and the biblical wisdom that emphasizes the need for quality time in marriage, drawing inspiration from the ageless texts found in the New King James Version of the Bible.
The Almighty Plan for Unity
The Origin of Friendship
The Bible presents companionship as an essential component of God’s plan for humans from the very beginning. God states in Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) that “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” The idea that people are created not to be alone is affirmed in this scripture. Learn more from my book, How to be a Good Friend.
Shared Purpose
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NKJV) says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labour… Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him,” which powerfully captures the strength inherent in unity. Furthermore, a triple cord takes time to break.” This verse captures the spirit of friendship perfectly, highlighting the strength and resiliency that arise when couples value their unity and purpose together.
Giving Each Other’s Interests Priority
A guiding concept for marriage is found in Philippians 2:3–4 (NKJV), where it is emphasised that nothing be done out of self-serving ambition or conceit, but rather that each person regard others more than themselves. Let each of you watch out for the interests of others in addition to his own.” Setting aside time for quality time requires a sincere effort to appreciate and understand one another’s interests.
The Gift of Unity
The beauty of oneness is extolled in Psalm 133:1 (NKJV), which declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This also applies to marriage, emphasising the goodness and pleasure that result from spouses coming together consciously and forging a single, harmonious bond.
What Makes Quality Time Essential
Going Beyond Calendars and Clocks
Quality time captures the spirit of being really present with one another and goes beyond just presence. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV), “To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” This acceptance of life’s seasons highlights how crucial it is to cherish and appreciate the times spent with a partner. Take out the distractions; avoid being on the phone, mute or put off the TV if you must; and focus on your spouse. Maintain eye contact as you communicate. Learn more from my online course on Effective Communication in Marriage.
Intentionality
The core of intentional moments is encapsulated in Mark 1:35 (NKJV), which says, “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Although this phrase alludes to Jesus’ seclusion, it emphasises the deliberate decision to give priority to times of connection, especially during the quiet hours. Learn to pray together as a couple. Power is released when you do and a greater bond is forged.
The Wisdom of Listening
The wise words of James 1:19 (NKJV) read, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.” Spending quality time with your spouse requires active listening; a conscious attempt to comprehend and interact with their feelings and thoughts.
Accepting Seasons
There is “a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing,” according to Ecclesiastes 3:5 (NKJV). This verse captures the tides of life and emphasises how vital it is to acknowledge and welcome the different phases of intimacy in a marriage.
Practical Applications
1. Encouraging Time Spent Together
Prioritising quality time in practise entails taking deliberate steps to strengthen the marital bond and transform everyday events into treasured memories.
2. Disconnected Evenings
Choosing to spend evenings without electronics allows you more time for meaningful talks and family activities. “A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,” is confirmed in Ecclesiastes 3:7 (NKJV). Evenings without electronics offer the quiet necessary for sincere and genuine conversation.
3. Prioritising Date Nights
Establishing date nights as a top priority lets your partner know how important it is to spend quality time together. Song of Solomon 7:11–12 (NKJV) says, “Come, my beloved, let us go forth to the field; Let us lodge in the villages,” which is a beautiful song about the beauty of shared moments. Let’s visit the vineyards early in the morning to check if the vines have budded.” This artwork fosters a spirit of adventure by encouraging couples to discover new things and places together.
4. Establishing Connection Rituals
Creating routines of communication, like nightly strolls or morning prayers, encourages regularity in spending meaningful time together. These rituals’ consistency fosters a sense of security and belonging by reflecting the couple’s unwavering dedication to one another.
The Virtue of Shared Experiences
A Love-Woven Tapestry
When partners prioritise quality time, they add strands of love, understanding, and shared experiences to a rich tapestry.
Consolidating the Matrimonial Bond
A loving relationship is a blessing, as Proverbs 18:22 (NKJV) says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord.” Time spent together enhances the goodness of a married relationship and wins God’s favour.
A Mirror of the Love of God
Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV) says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” This is a command to husbands. Setting aside quality time creates a hallowed area where married relationships grow stronger and thrive, reflecting the selfless love demonstrated by Christ.
The Eternal Moments of Love
According to 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NKJV), “Love never fails.” Love-filled quality time spent together creates everlasting treasures that transcend this life.
Write a new narrative of the pages of your marital like through the help of my online course on Effective Communication in Marriage. You may also read my book Balancing Love, Passion, and Virtue (Available on Selar and Amazon)
