Couples who work together deserve a special medal in my opinion! Daniel and I have technically worked together since 2011, but we went into business together in 2018. I used to think that Daniel and I had great communication skills, and I was pretty proud of it. However, that all changed when we became business partners. Working together introduced a slew of situations that we otherwise would not have been exposed to. Tensions rose and we had to learn how to coexist as a husband and wife team.

In recent times, working from home has become a popular trend. With the advent of technology, it has become possible for couples to work together from the comfort of their homes. However, working alongside your spouse can provide a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate, it can also be difficult to balance personal and professional boundaries. As Christians, we can approach this situation from a biblical perspective. Here are some tips for couples who work together:

1. Respect Each Other’s Roles

In any working relationship, it’s important to respect each other’s roles and responsibilities. This is especially true for couples who work together. Make sure you have clear lines of communication and a shared understanding of what each person is responsible for. This will help minimize confusion and conflict. Champion each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Your business roles may not mirror your God-ordained marriage roles, and that’s okay!

2. Prioritize Your Marriage

While work is important, your marriage should always take priority. It’s crucial to prioritize each other and your relationship above work obligations. Take time to connect with one another, whether it’s through intentional date nights or simply taking a break to chat during the workday. This will help you maintain a healthy relationship. When Daniel and I sense a disconnect, we often stop all work and take off for a mini getaway to our local coffee shop or a walk around our neighborhood. We find that this intentional act not only brings us closer together but also increases our work productivity. Sounds like a win-win to me!

3. Practice Forgiveness

Starting your day with prayer to prepare your heart for the day is an excellent way to begin. However, working alongside your spouse can be challenging, and there will inevitably be times when tensions run high. During these moments, it’s important to practice forgiveness and extend grace to one another. Remember that we are all imperfect and in need of forgiveness. Practicing forgiveness may be harder when you and your spouse work together. In our case, I prefer to confront problems head-on while Daniel prefers to take time to think things through. Giving each other space to process, both figuratively and literally, can help diffuse tension and promote forgiveness. Take that time to pray and ask God to soften your heart and help you move towards forgiveness.

4. Set Boundaries

Working from home can blur the lines between work and personal life. Make sure you are setting boundaries to maintain a healthy balance. This may include setting specific work hours, creating designated workspaces, and taking breaks throughout the day to recharge. By setting boundaries, you can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy working relationship with your spouse. One of you may be better at setting boundaries than the other. In our case, Daniel is an expert boundary setter and often helps me to pull away from work. Find out which of you is better at setting boundaries and champion that strength for the well-being of your home.

5. Have a Shared Goal

You and your spouse may have two completely different methods to achieve the same outcome, and that’s okay. Many of the processes that help me feel sane do not work for Daniel and to be honest he may find them quite dumb! The same is true for me with his methods. Ha! But don’t let the “how” get in the way of arriving at the destination. Daniel and I were very clear about our shared goal. Being self-employed allowed us to have the greatest influence on our children’s lives. Working together allowed us to free ourselves from the typical 9-5 job. We were and continue to be in agreement and having a clear shared goal helps us get through hard times.

6. Seek God’s Guidance

Above all, seek God’s guidance in your working relationship with your spouse. Pray together and individually for wisdom and discernment. Ask God to guide your words and actions as you navigate the challenges of working together. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Working with your spouse can be a unique and rewarding experience. By approaching it from a biblical perspective and prioritizing your marriage, you can build a strong and successful partnership both in work and in life. As Christians, we are called to love and serve one another. By working together with your spouse, you can exemplify this love and strengthen your relationship.

Remember, our ultimate goal as Christians is to glorify God in all that we do, including our work. When we prioritize our relationship with Him and put Him first, everything else falls into place. So, let’s approach our work with our spouse from a biblical perspective and trust in