Jehovah views marriage vows very seriously. He said a husband and a wife must stick to each other. (Mt 19:5, 6) There are many exemplary marriages among God’s people. However, no marriage is perfect. Problems do arise. We must not adopt the common view that separation and divorce are the answer when a couple is having problems. How can married Christians safeguard their marriage?

Consider five important steps.

1. Guard your heart by rejecting such things as flirting and immoral entertainment, which only weaken a marriage.​—Mt 5:28; 2Pe 2:14.

2. Strengthen your friendship with God, and increase your desire to please him in your marriage.​—Ps 97:10.

3. Continue putting on the new personality, and perform little acts of kindness that will make your mate’s life a bit easier.​—Col 3:8-10, 12-14.

4. Maintain respectful, meaningful communication.​—Col 4:6.

5. Render the marital due with affection and love.​—1Co 7:3, 4; 10:24.

When Christians honor marriage, they honor the Originator of marriage, Jehovah.

WATCH THE VIDEO WE MUST “RUN WITH ENDURANCE”​—OBEY THE RULES OF THE CONTEST, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• Although a marriage may start out well, what challenges may arise?

• How can Bible principles help those who feel that they are in a loveless marriage?

• What rules has Jehovah established for marriage?

• For a marriage to be successful, what is required of both mates?