The Bible gives many practical, workable ways to love and respect your spouse:

• Be faithful. Engage in sexual relations only within marriage, as God instructs (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:13, 18; 7:2; Galatians 5:19; Matthew 5:32). Faithfulness in marriage promotes a special emotional bond between mates.

• Share your financial resources. "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household," wrote Paul, "he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8). When couples unselfishly work hard and share their financial resources , they demonstrate their commitment and respect.

• Don't speak unkindly to each other. A sure indicator of a couple's relationship is the way they talk to each other. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." A courteous tone of voice allows couples to focus their energies on the subject at hand rather than on each other.

• Forgive. We must forgive others if we want God to forgive us (Matthew 6:12-15). Without forgiveness, any human relationship is doomed to failure.

• Remember romance. Before marriage most couples spend much of their time wooing and courting. The special attention given to each other before marriage is a "wonderful" thing (Proverbs 30:18-19), and it should not cease after marriage.

• Include God in your relationship. "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). Look to God for enduring values, including the purpose of your marriage. GN