Christian marriage is a sacred covenant between a husband, a wife, and God. The Bible offers wisdom for building strong, loving marriages. Today, we’ll explore biblical principles for a thriving marriage.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Christian Lifestyles
What Does The Bible Say About Christian Marriage
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 emphasizes the sacredness and unity of marriage. It shows that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, where they become one in body and spirit.
God designed marriage to be a bond that surpasses all other relationships. It signifies leaving parental authority and creating a new family unit, founded on love, trust, and mutual support.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of the marriage covenant in this verse. He highlights that once joined together by God, marriage should not be easily broken or dissolved.
Marriage is not just a legal contract but a divine union where God plays an active role. This verse reminds couples of the commitment they made before God and encourages them to work through challenges and conflicts with His help.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse calls husbands to sacrificially love their wives, mirroring Christ’s love for the church. It shows that husbands have a responsibility to cherish, protect, and honor their wives.
A husband’s love should be selfless and unconditional, willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being and happiness of his wife. It reflects Christ’s love, which is characterized by forgiveness, compassion, and servanthood.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
Here, the Bible teaches wives to submit to their husbands’ leadership, just as they would submit to the leadership of Christ. Submission does not imply inferiority but rather a voluntary act of respect and trust.
This verse encourages wives to willingly support their husbands’ decisions and desires, recognizing the God-given role of a husband as the head of the family. It fosters unity and cooperation within the marriage relationship.
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 physical intimacy in marriage. It establishes that both husband and wife have equal rights and responsibilities regarding their sexual relationship.
The passage warns against withholding intimacy from one another, except by mutual agreement for a specific spiritual purpose. Regular sexual intimacy within marriage helps to strengthen the bond and protect against temptations that may lead to infidelity.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This proverb emphasizes the blessing of finding a spouse. It suggests that marriage is a gift from God and brings favor and goodness into a person’s life.
Finding a suitable partner is not merely a matter of chance but a divine provision. It acknowledges the importance of choosing a spouse wisely and recognizing the value they bring to one’s life.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
Similar to Ephesians 5:22, this verse encourages wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives. It emphasizes the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect.
Submission and love go hand in hand in building a harmonious marriage. Husbands are urged to lead with love and compassion, while wives are called to submit with grace and trust. This mutual submission creates an atmosphere of love and unity within the marriage.
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.”
Here, husbands are instructed to understand and honor their wives. It highlights the importance of treating wives with tenderness and respect, recognizing their shared status as recipients of God’s grace.
A husband’s attitude toward his wife affects his spiritual life as well. By treating his wife with love and honor, he ensures unhindered communication with God through prayer.
Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
This verse condemns divorce and encourages spouses to guard their marital relationship. It highlights the severity of breaking the marriage bond and the emotional harm it causes.
God desires husbands and wives to remain faithful and committed to one another, working through difficulties rather than resorting to divorce. It reminds couples of their responsibility to protect their marriage and seek reconciliation.
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
This proverb extols the value and worth of a virtuous wife. It highlights that an exceptional wife is a priceless treasure, surpassing material possessions in significance.
A wise and godly wife brings joy, stability, and honor to her husband and family. This verse encourages husbands to appreciate and affirm the virtuous qualities of their wives.
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, often referred to as the “Love Chapter,” describes the characteristics of genuine love. It serves as a guide for all aspects of life, including marriage.
In marriage, love should be patient, kind, humble, and selfless. It should prioritize the well-being and happiness of one’s spouse. True love perseveres through challenges and remains steadfast in its commitment.
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 emphasizes the influence a wife has on her husband’s life. It reveals that a virtuous and supportive wife brings honor and joy to her husband.
A wife’s character, actions, and attitude significantly impact the overall atmosphere of a marriage. This verse encourages wives to be a source of blessing and encouragement to their husbands, rather than causing them harm or disgrace.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This proverb highlights the significance of a wise and sensible wife. It suggests that such a wife is a gift from God and is more valuable than material possessions.
While earthly possessions can be inherited, a prudent wife is a divine provision. Her wisdom, discernment, and carefulness contribute to the success and prosperity of the marriage.
Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”
This verse portrays the virtuous wife as a woman of strength and dignity. It suggests that she faces the future with confidence, joy, and a sense of humor.
A woman who embodies strength and dignity is respected and admired. Her faith, wisdom, and inner strength enable her to face challenges with optimism and to be a source of encouragement and stability for her family.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married, I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.”
In this passage, Paul gives specific instructions to married couples regarding divorce. He advises spouses to remain committed to their marriage and avoid divorce if possible.
Divorce should not be a hasty decision, but rather a last resort when all attempts at reconciliation have failed. This verse encourages spouses to prioritize working through their differences and seeking restoration within the marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of unconditional love within marriage. It encourages spouses to demonstrate genuine and fervent love towards one another.
Love has the power to forgive and overcome the mistakes and faults of both individuals in a marriage. It fosters an atmosphere of grace and understanding, allowing the relationship to thrive and grow.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This proverb contrasts the actions of a wise woman and a foolish one. It highlights the impact a wife’s choices and actions have on the well-being and stability of her home.
A wise woman contributes to the growth and success of her family through her positive influence, strong character, and godly wisdom. In contrast, a foolish woman brings destruction and turmoil through her lack of discernment and poor decisions.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
This verse describes the wise wife as someone who speaks with wisdom and kindness. It suggests that her words carry weight and demonstrate knowledge and understanding.
A wise wife uses her words to build up her husband, children, and others around her. She offers wise counsel and encouragement rather than resorting to harsh or hurtful speech. Her speech reflects her character and love for others.
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.’”
Ruth’s words to her mother-in-law Naomi demonstrate an extraordinary level of commitment and loyalty. Her statement signifies her devotion to Naomi and her determination to remain by her side.
This passage serves as a beautiful example of loyalty and selflessness within marriage. It inspires couples to remain faithful to one another through thick and thin, supporting and standing by each other no matter the circumstances.
Proverbs 31:11
“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of trust in a marriage. It reveals that a husband who trusts his wife experiences the benefits of her faithfulness and wise management of their resources.
Mutual trust is essential for a healthy and thriving marital relationship. It fosters unity, open communication, and the ability to rely on one another in all aspects of life.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
This simple yet profound verse calls couples to make love the foundation and motivation for everything they do within their marriage.
Love should permeate every aspect of a marriage, from communication to decision-making, from serving one another to resolving conflicts. When love guides every action, it creates an environment of understanding, compassion, and unity.
Proverbs 21:9
“It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.”
This proverb highlights the negative impact of constant quarreling within a marriage. It implies that it is better to be alone on the roof than to dwell with a contentious spouse.
Conflict in marriage is inevitable, but consistently quarreling and arguing can erode the foundation of love and unity. This verse encourages spouses to tackle conflicts with patience, understanding, and a willingness to resolve differences peacefully.
Overall, these verses illuminate the beauty, challenges, and responsibilities of Christian marriage. They provide guidance and encouragement for husbands and wives to love, honor, and cherish one another. Marriage is a lifelong commitment grounded in love, trust, and faith in God. By applying the principles found in these verses, couples can build strong, fulfilling marriages that glorify God and bring joy and peace to their lives.