Here is the article. There’s a lot of truth in the idea that strong marriages ripple outward. When two people commit to loving each other well—especially when it’s hard—that stability doesn’t just bless them. It shapes children, friendships, churches, neighborhoods. Throughout history, cultures have relied on families as their foundation, and when those relationships are steady and healthy, communities feel more grounded too.

I really like the image of family being a laboratory for learning how to love. Marriage can be one of the most intense classrooms for that. It has a way of exposing selfishness pretty quickly. The daily, ordinary choices—doing the dishes, running errands, listening when you’re tired—become the real proving ground. That’s where “Love sincerely. . . Hold on to what is good. Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other” from Romans 12:9–10 moves from theory into practice.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that marriage isn’t the only path to becoming loving and mature. Single people, widows, close friends, ministers, priests—each relationship gives opportunities to grow in patience, generosity, and self-giving. A healthy culture needs all of those vocations. Love isn’t limited to one state of life.
What stands out most is the humility that comes with time. After decades together, love looks less like grand gestures and more like quiet faithfulness. It looks like respect, forgiveness, and choosing the other person again and again. When couples live that way, they don’t just strengthen their own bond—they quietly strengthen the world around them, and we thank God for that!

MN Marriage Encounter has been building strong marriages since 1972. Nobody is turned away based on their ability to pay. Our Scholarship Fund covers the cost of a Marriage Encounter for couples in a financially difficult situation. We are attempting to build our monthly donors, please consider giving $20, $40, or $50 a month to sustain this crucial ministry. Thank you immensely for whatever you are able to give at: https://marriages.org/donate/