One of the most important keys to a strong and healthy relationship is the element of trust. This is highly important and should never missed out. Without a strong pillar of trust, relationships will never be set on solid and stable foundation.

No other relationship attests to this most than marriage.

One of the biggest misconceptions, however, when it comes to building trust is that it's built by perfection. We think that getting things right and avoiding mistakes is what makes our spouse trust us more. And while it's important to always aim for near-perfectness, perfectionism can often build a fake facade that simply hides the weaknesses and highlights the strengths.

The true way that trust is built is through stronger accountability. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 urges us saying, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

When we build accountability with other fellow believers and with our spouses, it brings about four things that strengthen trust: transparency, humility, collaboration and authenticity.

Here are how these four things bring value to our marriage.

1. Transparency Invites Others to Help Us With Our Weaknesses

When we are accountable, we acknowledge that we are weak in certain areas and need all the help we can get. That way we can be strengthened in areas that we are weak. Accountability serves as God's extensions of His grace by allowing us to help each other in areas that we cannot deal with or work on our own.

2. Humility Puts Our Hearts in the Right Place

Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

When we are brought to a place of humility, it opens us up to the reality that we are not as strong and principled as we think we are. Left to our own strength, we are depraved human beings with the propensity to fall short.

When humility comes in, God starts to intervene by bringing people in our life or even creating in us the drive to remain open and honest to your spouse so that accountability may flourish.

3. Collaboration Brings in Wisdom and Expertise

Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Accountability is an important aspect of spiritual growth. Through this we allow people to bring wisdom and insight into our lives, which can build us up more into spouses who honour their partners and, more importantly, God.

4. Authenticity Assures That We Walk in Truth

At the end of the day, what Christian couples need most is the truth, and the truth is what sets us free. We hold on to no other truth except the truth that the power in Christ is more than enough for us to flourish in our marriages. Accountability creates a circle of brothers and sisters who can encourage each other by reminding each other of that truth.