Let’s be honest: relationships are hard. When two people come together, it’s not just hearts joining—it’s histories, habits, personalities, and wounds. Each person carries their own family culture, life experiences, and patterns of thinking, relating and reacting. Add to that the emotional baggage we often don’t even realize we carry, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for misunderstanding, conflict, and disappointment.

It’s easy to think that love will be enough, especially in the dating phase when everything feels exciting and easy. You may even feel like the two of you are the exception to the struggles other couples face. But the truth is, marriage doesn’t remove our issues—it often brings them to the surface. It reveals where we still need healing, growth, and maturity.

Love alone isn’t enough. Relationships that thrive—both in dating and in marriage—require intentional growth, emotional honesty, spiritual depth, and practical wisdom. It’s not about finding the perfect person. It’s about becoming someone who can love with purpose, patience, and faithfulness.

During a recent trip to the Dominican Republic, while working with the leadership of a local Youth Foundation, I was told something I’ve heard echoed across many communities: “Our young people are hungry for wisdom about relationships, but they aren’t getting it from the church.”  There’s a generation longing to build healthy, godly relationships (in dating and marriage)—but they’re lacking clear guidance on how to get there.

That’s why I created a resource with these two themes in it:

• Practical Advice for Single Young Adults

• Practical Advice for Married Couples

These are not idealistic theories. They’re grounded in Scripture and real-life experience. They speak to the heart and offer simple, actionable truths for those who want to build relationships that last and glorify God.

Download the PDF below and begin walking in wisdom—whether you’re preparing for your future, dating with intention, or already building a marriage worth fighting for.