We want communication that never fails, romance that never fades, and conflict that never happens. We expect marriage to feel effortless and natural every day. But when perfection doesn’t happen (and it never does) disappointment sets in. But here’s the good news: covenant marriage was never meant to be built on perfection. Marital bliss is built on persistent faithfulness.

Jesus told a parable in Matthew 18 about a servant forgiven a massive debt who refused to forgive a much smaller one. The lesson is simple: forgiven people forgive people. When we remember how much we’ve been forgiven by God, it changes how we treat our spouse. God doesn’t forgive us because we deserve it. He forgives because His covenant love is greater than our sin. Covenant marriage mirrors that same grace.

Covenant commitments are defined by the quiet, determined resolve to hold on when others let go. It’s the belief that love is a choice long after it’s a feeling. It’s what separates marriages that struggle to survive from those that thrive.