How to Grow Spiritually With Your Partner

You and your spouse can make time for date night, but have you made time to grow your faith together? If we’re honest, all of us could grow in this area.

A lot of couples wish they were closer, spiritually. And it makes sense since marriage is—first and foremost—a spiritual relationship. We were created to be in community with God and with other people. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” A marriage that invites Jesus into it will be stronger than one that leaves Him out.

Though the Bible says two are better than one, it doesn’t mean marriage is easy. And it doesn’t mean keeping God in the center of your relationship is a one-and-done task. It takes intentionality, but the reward is worth the work.

Here are four ways you and your spouse can grow your faith together.

1. Worship together.

This one may feel like a no-brainer, but it can easily be overlooked. If you’re serving in the children’s ministry or some other area during the regular worship service, you could go weeks or months without sitting together in an actual church service. There’s nothing wrong with serving (we even stuck it on this list), but don’t let it turn into an obstacle that keeps you from growing together spiritually. 

2. Pray with each other.

Prayer is like the spiritual glue of marriage. And since most relationships live and die on communication, it makes sense that this is a key ingredient to a successful marriage. When you pray with your spouse, your heart is on display and you may feel vulnerable, which isn’t always easy. But you will be surprised by how much you can grow together from this simple process.

3. Serve as a couple.

You’ll learn a lot about each other when you turn your attention away from yourselves and focus on serving others. Seeing your spouse tutor a child at an after-school program or talk to nonbelievers about Jesus can radically deepen your love and appreciation for their heart. When you watch them practice and cultivate that kind of humility, it can remind you why you fell in love with them in the first place.

4. Give together.

We are made in the image of God. Since He is the ultimate giver, it makes sense that we’re most like Him when we’re practicing generosity. It’s one thing to make decisions about giving on your own—but when you make those decisions with your spouse, you’re allowing them to experience God and all His blessings with you. Plus, tithing can challenge and stretch your faith, especially if you have a tight budget.

Bonus reminder: Live intentionally.

Intentionality has turned into a bit of a buzzword, but intentionality is exactly what you need to grow spiritually as a couple. Like anything worth achieving, it’s going to take deliberate choices and diligence. No couple just stumbles into spiritual growth.

Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. But as you progress, your life—and your marriage—will never be the same.

If you’re looking for more ways to grow spiritually with your partner, check out Financial Peace University (FPU). This course will teach you how to save for emergencies, pay off debt, and actually get on the same page about money. It’ll be an investment in your relationship and your future.

Take control of your finances together. Go ahead and start FPU today!