Marriage is a sacred bond in the Bible, and neglecting a spouse goes against its teachings on love, care, and mutual respect. The scriptures emphasize nurturing the relationship and valuing each other’s well-being.
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What Does The Bible Say About Spousal Neglect
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse reminds us of the sacred bond between husband and wife, emphasizing the importance of leaving other relationships behind and prioritizing the commitment to one’s spouse.
In the context of spousal neglect, this verse serves as a foundation for understanding that neglecting one’s spouse goes against the purpose and design of marriage, which is to become one with each other.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse addresses husbands directly, instructing them to love their wives and to treat them with gentleness and respect.
Neglecting one’s spouse can often lead to harshness, indifference, or even emotional abuse. This verse serves as a reminder for husbands to prioritize love and kindness in their relationship, fostering a healthy and nurturing environment.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This passage highlights the importance of mutual sexual fulfillment within the context of marriage.
Spousal neglect can manifest in the withholding of physical intimacy, causing strain and frustration in the relationship. This verse encourages spouses to fulfill each other’s sexual needs and to maintain a healthy and intimate connection.
Ephesians 5:25-28
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
This verse emphasizes the sacrificial love that husbands should have for their wives, comparing it to the sacrificial love of Christ for the church.
Spousal neglect can be countered by actively loving and caring for one’s spouse, just as Christ selflessly loved and cared for the church. This verse encourages husbands to prioritize their wife’s well-being and spiritual growth, fostering a thriving and fulfilling marriage.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”
This passage celebrates the joy and pleasure of physical intimacy within the context of marriage.
Spousal neglect can lead to a lack of affection, romanticism, and intimacy. This verse serves as a reminder to cherish and delight in one’s spouse, embracing the physical expression of love and reinforcing the importance of nurturing a fulfilling marital relationship.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
This verse instructs husbands to live with their wives in a compassionate and respectful manner.
Spousal neglect can create emotional distance and hinder effective communication. This verse encourages husbands to understand and honor their wives, prioritizing an atmosphere of love, respect, and mutual support within the marriage.
Matthew 5:28
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse addresses the issue of emotional neglect within marriage, highlighting the damaging effects of lustful thoughts and desires.
Spousal neglect can manifest not only through physical absence or disinterest but also through emotional disengagement. This verse reminds us of the importance of fidelity and cultivating emotional intimacy with our spouse, guarding against destructive thoughts or actions that can harm the marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:33-34
“But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.”
This passage recognizes the inherent concerns and responsibilities that come with marriage, urging spouses to prioritize each other’s well-being.
Spousal neglect can occur when worldly concerns and distractions take precedence over investing in the marital relationship. This verse encourages married individuals to be mindful of their spouse’s needs, actively seeking to please and support one another.
Titus 2:4-5
“and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
This verse speaks to the importance of nurturing love and kindness within marriage, as well as maintaining a submissive and respectful attitude.
Spousal neglect can arise when wives are not showing love, respect, and support towards their husbands. This verse encourages women to love their husbands and to cultivate a spirit of kindness, recognizing the significant role they play in upholding the sanctity of marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
This verse highlights the power of love in healing and restoring relationships.
Spousal neglect can lead to the build-up of resentment, bitterness, and unresolved conflicts. This verse reminds us of the transformative power of love, encouraging spouses to continuously and earnestly extend love towards one another, seeking healing and reconciliation.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This proverb underscores the significant impact a spouse can have on the well-being and happiness of their partner.
Spousal neglect can erode the emotional and mental health of the neglected partner. This verse reminds us of the importance of being a supportive and loving spouse, nurturing a healthy and fulfilling relationship that brings joy, honor, and strength to both partners.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
This famous passage from Corinthians provides a comprehensive description of what love should look like within a marriage.
Spousal neglect can be overcome by embodying the qualities described in these verses. The importance of patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, forgiveness, and perseverance is emphasized, as they are essential in nurturing a strong and lasting marital bond.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
This verse highlights the divine institution of marriage and the sanctity of the union between husband and wife.
Spousal neglect contradicts God’s plan for marriage by causing division and emotional distance. This verse serves as a reminder of the permanence and sacredness of the marital bond, encouraging spouses to work together to overcome neglect and strengthen their relationship.
James 1:19-20
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
This passage teaches the importance of effective communication and self-control within marriage.
Spousal neglect can stem from a lack of listening, understanding, and engaging in open dialogue. This verse reminds us to be intentional in our communication, prioritizing active listening, and resisting the destructive effects of anger and impulsive speech.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This proverb highlights the blessings and favor that come from having a loving and supportive spouse.
Spousal neglect can cause feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and despair. This verse serves as a reminder of the precious gift a spouse is and prompts individuals to cherish and value their significant other, cultivating a relationship that brings fulfillment and favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not harm all the days of her life.”
This excerpt from Proverbs describes the virtuous qualities of an exceptional wife and the trust she engenders in her husband.
Spousal neglect can cause a breakdown in trust and create a sense of emotional harm within marriage. This verse encourages wives to be sources of goodness and support for their husbands, fostering trust and contributing to the well-being and success of the entire family.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
This verse stresses the importance of mutual encouragement and edification within the context of relationships.
Spousal neglect can lead to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. This verse prompts spouses to actively encourage and uplift each other, fostering an atmosphere of love, support, and affirmation in the marital relationship.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of regular fellowship and encouragement among believers.
Spousal neglect can occur when couples become disengaged or fail to spend quality time together, neglecting their emotional and spiritual connection. This verse encourages spouses to actively pursue activities that promote love, unity, and spiritual growth, fortifying their relationship in the face of neglect.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This proverb draws attention to the influence and impact a wife can have on her marriage and family.
Spousal neglect can have detrimental effects on the household, leading to a breakdown in the foundation and overall well-being. This verse encourages women to be wise and proactive in nurturing their relationships, actively working to strengthen their marriage and build a harmonious home.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'”
This passage describes the praise and honor bestowed upon a virtuous wife by her family.
Spousal neglect can cause a lack of appreciation and acknowledgment, leading to emotional distance. This verse serves as a reminder for husbands to recognize and affirm the value and contributions of their wives, fostering an atmosphere of appreciation and deepening their marital bond.
3 John 1:2
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”
This verse expresses a prayer for overall well-being and health, encompassing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.
Spousal neglect can have detrimental effects on one’s well-being, impacting both the soul and physical health. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize the care and nurture of our spouse, actively seeking their holistic flourishing and wellness.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.'”
This declaration of loyalty and devotion from Ruth to her mother-in-law showcases the steadfast commitment and sacrificial love that should characterize marriage.
Spousal neglect can result in a breakdown of commitment and loyalty within the marital relationship. This verse serves as an example of the depth of devotion spouses should have for one another, pledging to remain faithful and united until death.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This proverb underscores the value of forgiveness, grace, and a willingness to let go of past offenses within any relationship, including marriage.
Spousal neglect can be perpetuated by a lack of forgiveness, holding onto past hurts and grievances. This verse encourages spouses to embrace a spirit of love and reconciliation, working towards unity and restoration rather than allowing offenses to create division.