Marriage is at its strongest when couples choose to see themselves as a team. In this post, I’ll share 10 practical and faith-filled tips for working together in marriage — habits that can help you grow closer to each other and Christ.
Crones Recreational Park
Philippians 2:4 says Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others.
1. Pray Together – The Foundation of Working Together in Marriage
Make prayer your first response, not your last resort. Inviting God into your plans unites your hearts and shifts the focus from “me” to “we.” For a while, we not only prayed together every day, but we also included praying the Lord’s prayer in our prayer time.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20
2. Pray for Each Other Daily to Build a Stronger Marriage Teamwork
Even when you’re not praying together, carry your spouse before God. Knowing your partner is interceding for you is one of the most powerful acts of love. When you pray, ask God to show you how He sees your Spouse, and what you can do to change your heart to love them more.
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16
3. Minister Together and Strengthen Your Marriage Partnership
Whether it’s serving at church, hosting people in your home, or simply encouraging others, find ways to serve side by side. Shared purpose deepens your unity and common purpose. Be open and patient during a transition in how you show up.
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
4. Be Honest – Transparency is Key to Working Well Together
Real teamwork requires transparency. Speak truth in love, and remember honesty isn’t about being harsh — it’s about being genuine and building trust. Again, patience may be a key to this process.
Honesty is at the heart of working together in marriage. For more on how to grow in this, check out our Couple’s Communication Guide.
“Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.” — Ephesians 4:25
5. Share Gratitude Out Loud for a Thriving Team in Marriage
Don’t just think it — say it. Verbal gratitude fuels encouragement and reminds your spouse that their efforts are seen, valued, and cherished. We all need to be built up and our love tanks filled, but our men flourish when their wives notice their accomplishments and success and let them know you saw and are proud.
“Simple acts of gratitude can change the atmosphere in your marriage. We wrote more on this in Ways to Be Kind in Your Marriage.”
“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
6. Leave Notes of Encouragement to Build Unity as a Couple
A quick sticky note on the fridge, a text during the day, or even a scribble on the bathroom mirror can make your spouse’s whole day. Small things carry big weight. This is a big one, especially if your spouse’s love language is words of Affirmation, but everyone will be built and loved when we encourage them.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24
7. Celebrate Each Other’s Strengths to Work Better as a Team
Play to your gifts. Instead of resenting your differences, lean into them. Let your spouse shine in the areas they’re strong, and cover for each other in weaknesses. Marriage is about lifting each other, not competing for the spotlight. Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 2:4 reminds us: “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
When you celebrate your spouse’s gifts and strengths, you’re not only showing love — you’re modelling Christ’s heart of humility and service.
8. Face Challenges as Teammates in Marriage, Not Opponents
Adopt the mindset of “us versus the problem,” not “me versus you.” Whether it’s finances, health, or decisions, remember you’re on the same side. It may be hard to wait this one out when you are in the midst, but I would encourage you to plan ahead of time. As you resolve a challenge, learn from the situation, choose to grow so the next time difficulties arise, you will be further along.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
9. Keep Short Accounts – Forgiveness Builds Partnership
Don’t let resentment build. Deal with disagreements quickly, with grace and forgiveness at the core. A healthy marriage doesn’t avoid conflict; it resolves it. Again grow and remember how it feels when you let go of resentment, anger or any other disappointments.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
10. Dream and Plan Together to Stay United in Marriage
From big-picture life goals to next week’s grocery run, working as a team creates a sense of partnership and keeps you rowing in the same direction. Planning to do life together can be such a strong and intentional way to dream together, which is so foundational. Dreaming together in honesty and togetherness keeps pulling you back to each other, helps to find common ground, plan new adventures and choose each other.
“Reconnecting around your hopes for the future is so powerful. See our post on 9 Ways to Reconnect with Your Spouse for more ideas.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
A Call to Prayer
Working together in marriage isn’t something we can pull off in our own strength. It takes God’s Spirit to soften our hearts, teach us humility, and give us grace for each other. As you reflect on these 10 tips, take a moment to pray together as a couple — not just about what you’ve read, but about how you can walk it out in your own marriage.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of my spouse and the life we share. Please help us to choose each other daily, to be honest and kind, and to serve side by side with joy. Teach us to pray together, to encourage one another, and to celebrate the strengths You’ve given us. Show us how to face challenges as a team and to dream boldly for the future You’ve planned. May our marriage reflect Your love and point others to Christ. Amen.
Couples’ Take: Working together doesn’t mean losing yourself; it means bringing your best self to the table and trusting God to make the two of you stronger than either could be alone.
By practising these habits, you’ll find that working together in marriage strengthens not only your bond but also your walk with Christ.
