Do you follow through?
It could be something as simple as calling when you said you would or completing a task you started. Or perhaps it’s something bigger, such as working on your communication skills or spending less money to reach a financial goal. Whatever the specifics, walking the walk – following through on the things you initiate – has a big impact on your marriage. Here’s why:
It builds trust.
Trust is such a critical component of marriage, but it doesn’t just exist automatically. It’s built over time, often through consistently keeping your word. It’s not always about the big actions, like staying faithful and living out your vows (although those are obviously very important). It also shows up in the day-to-day tasks that you commit to. When your spouse doesn’t have to wonder whether you’ll do something you said you would or make repeated requests for you to complete something you started, you show you’re dependable – they can count on you. This fosters an underlying sense of security and stability in your marriage that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
It helps you grow together.
Are you and your spouse trying to live a healthier lifestyle? Are you saving up for a major purchase? Have you committed to prioritizing quality time or agreed to spend less time on your phones? Setting goals together is a pathway to growth, both individually and as a couple. If you and your spouse have shared goals, walking the walk is key to reaching them. One of the benefits of working toward the finish line together is having someone there to hold you accountable. Cheering each other on while also taking responsibility for your own initiative and momentum is a potent combination to reach your goals and make your marriage the best it can be.
It demonstrates your commitment.
Having the conscientiousness to follow through, particularly on relationship-related things, is one of the most underrated ways to invest in your marriage and live out your commitment to your spouse. For example, imagine that your spouse has been feeling under-appreciated, and it’s been an issue between you lately. You promise to work on showing more appreciation. Walking the walk in this context means putting in the effort to honor your spouse, and strengthen your relationship, instead of becoming complacent. This shows that you care about the quality of your marriage just as much as the longevity.
Following through seems so basic, but it’s an important undercurrent in a strong marriage. While good intentions and half-fulfilled promises may hold some weight, choosing to walk the walk consistently communicates respect, care, and reliability. When both of you commit to doing what you say you’ll do – whether in the small daily tasks or the bigger shared goals – you create a marriage built on deep trust, steady growth, and genuine commitment.
I have but – one (singular) regret… I lost my wife because of this … my actions were not aligned (spoke the intentions of my heart) – completed…doing and fulfilling what actions needed to be done !
I love “It helps you grow together” because God gave us this covenant relationship to be “two that are better than one”. We should live in the same household, in this life together not apart. How does a couple know they are not growing together? When doing marriage facilitation, I ask couples two simple questions: 1. What is your spouse’s mother’s maiden name? 2. What do you do that turns your spouse on? (whisper it in their ear) Before completing #2, I would have asked each of them to write it down, like on the Newly Wed game. It was amazing how many couples did not know the answer. So, yes, it is vital we are nurtured in this area. We can see the devastation when one spouse losses another and only one took care of everything and the other is now lost. Let’s get better and better of being better together as husband and wife.