Jesus taught there are two foundational commandments for all people in every relationship. Mark 12:30,31: “‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. “And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Therefore, put God first in your marriage. Study God's word and pray together. 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 

Prioritize God's work and spiritual interests. Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” 

1 Peter 1:22, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” Romans 12:10 (NIV), “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Ephesians 5:22, 25, 28, 33 (NIV), “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord…husband love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself…each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (Some husbands use these scriptures to justify behaving abusively. That is not how Christ loves His church.)

When disagreements arise, speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). This refers to your feelings and ideas. Then it's very wise to remember the Apostle Paul's advice, “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26,27 (NLT).

Sexually, men and women should respect and honor each other's needs in reasonable ways. 1 Corinthians 7:5, “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 

Additionally, both love and respect teach a couple not to demand anything (including sex or sexual expressions) where the other does not feel it honors God. Remember: “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31.