Marriage brings two families together, creating new relationships, including those with in-laws. The Bible has guidance on managing these connections with love and patience. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture advises married couples to nurture these bonds in a way that honors God and promotes peace.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Forgetting The Past
What Does The Bible Say About Marriage And In-Laws
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse emphasizes the sacred and lifelong bond between a husband and wife. It reminds us that marriage involves leaving behind the roles and responsibilities of our parents and forming a new family unit.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
Marriage is seen as a blessing from God, and finding a wife is considered a fortunate and divine favor. This verse highlights the importance of valuing and cherishing one’s spouse as a precious gift.
Ephesians 5:22-23
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”
This verse addresses the role of submission in marriage, emphasizing that wives are to voluntarily submit to their husbands’ leadership in a manner similar to how the church submits to Christ. It emphasizes the husband’s responsibility to lead sacrificially, as Christ did for the church.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Here, husbands are instructed to love their wives selflessly, using Christ’s sacrificial love for the church as an example. This verse emphasizes the importance of nurturing and caring for one’s spouse, putting their needs before one’s own.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
This verse addresses the mutual responsibility of spouses to fulfill their sexual needs within the marriage. It encourages a selfless attitude towards physical intimacy, with each partner willingly yielding and satisfying the other’s needs.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
Here, the significance of a virtuous and honorable wife is highlighted. A wife who displays integrity, wisdom, and character is seen as a source of honor and joy for her husband, while a wife who acts disgracefully can bring great turmoil and pain.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of a wife’s influence in creating a stable and nurturing home environment. A wise woman contributes to the growth and strength of her family, while a foolish woman brings destruction and instability.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
Similar to the previous verse, this passage addresses mutual responsibilities within marriage. Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands’ leadership, and husbands are encouraged to love their wives unconditionally, avoiding harshness or cruelty.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if even death separates you and me.’
This remarkable statement of commitment and loyalty comes from Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi. It showcases the importance of family relationships and the willingness to make sacrifices for loved ones, even in the face of adversity.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms the indissolubility of the marital bond. It emphasizes that once a man and woman are joined in marriage by God, no human should attempt to separate or dissolve that union.
1 Peter 3:1-2
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
This passage speaks specifically to wives, urging them to display godly behavior and respect towards their husbands. It emphasizes that a wife’s conduct and character have the potential to influence her husband’s faith even if he is initially resistant to the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Known as the “love chapter,” this passage describes the attributes and qualities of love. It serves as a reminder to spouses to love one another with patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness, fostering a healthy and harmonious marriage.
Proverbs 31:10-11
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
Here, the value of a virtuous and trustworthy wife is emphasized. A husband can have complete trust and confidence in such a wife, knowing that she will diligently care for their household and bring blessings to their lives.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages spouses to cultivate a deep and selfless love for one another. Love is portrayed as a powerful force that can forgive and overlook the mistakes and shortcomings of our partners, fostering unity and harmony within the marriage.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Similar to Matthew 19:6, this verse emphasizes the sacredness and permanence of the marital union. It reminds us that God’s design for marriage is a lifelong commitment, which should be respected and protected by all.
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
A wise and faithful wife possesses the ability to speak with wisdom and provide valuable instruction. This verse underscores the importance of effective communication and the positive impact it can have on the family dynamic.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
This passage emphasizes the strength and support that comes from a united partnership. It highlights the importance of spouses helping and encouraging one another, particularly during challenging times.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse provides a broader perspective on love within the context of marriage. It encourages spouses to infuse love into every aspect of their lives, from their words and actions to their thoughts and decisions.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse applies to all relationships, including marriage. It encourages spouses to treat one another with kindness, respect, and fairness, mirroring the way they would like to be treated themselves.
1 Timothy 3:2
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…”
Although addressed specifically to overseers or church leaders, this verse indirectly highlights character traits that can contribute to a successful marriage. Faithfulness, self-control, and respectability are qualities that should be nurtured within the marriage relationship.
Malachi 2:16
“‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘does violence to the one he should protect,’ says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s disapproval of divorce and the harm it can cause within a marriage. It cautions against treating one’s spouse with disdain or unfaithfulness and encourages spouses to protect and honor one another.
Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”
This verse highlights the importance of cherishing and enjoying life with one’s spouse amidst the challenges and struggles of earthly existence. It encourages spouses to embrace their partnership and find joy in each other’s company.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of separation and divorce within marriage. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the marital bond and encourages couples to seek reconciliation rather than dissolution.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the significance of a wise and discerning wife. It suggests that a wife with godly wisdom and prudence is a precious gift from the Lord, far surpassing the inheritance of material possessions.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse speaks to the reality of widowhood and the freedom it brings for remarriage. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a spouse who is committed to the Lord, ensuring compatibility in faith and values.