Scriptures to Strengthen a Marriage
The fragrance of a variety of flowers fills the air. Bridesmaid’s dresses flow in the breeze while bringing that pop of color against the natural backdrop. Bright eyes and smiling faces sweep through the sea of white chairs awaiting the presence of the bride to make her debut. As the bride enters the aisle an audible gasp is heard from the audience. Many struggles to look away from the beauty of the bride’s dress, veil, and bouquet, while a few sneak a peek at the groom and notice a stream of tears falling down his face. This memorable moment marks the beginning of their lifelong union as one.
The wedding day may have seemed like you were transported into a fairytale, and as wonderful as that is, that fairytale feeling doesn’t last forever. In order for your marriage to stand strong, it must be placed on a firm, unwavering foundation. Storms will come, some stronger than others, and the foundation of your marriage will determine its strength. Hear the words of Jesus:
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey…that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash(Matt. 7:24-27).
Marriage is a beautiful gift from God, but in the midst of a broken world and hardship heaviness can weigh on your marital union. Therefore heed the words of Jesus and stand firm on His word so that you will be prepared when the storms come. Here are some scriptures that will keep your footing on that strong firm foundation.
Most Important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
As blissful and wonderful as the wedding day is the hard work starts the next day. When two sinners are unified there is always a bit of messiness that the couple will need to navigate through. It is inevitable that your spouse will mess up, disappoint you or do something hurtful. As amazing as your spouse may be, they are not perfect, therefore it is important to understand God’s definition of love and when it is done well, it will cover a multitude of mess-ups, disappointments, and failures. When you tap into the true power of love you will learn that it never gives up, never loses faith, is always helpful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Cor. 13:7). Love your spouse deeply, and may this verse remind you that love is not easily offended and forgives often.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
It can be difficult to fight the temptation of wanting to be right, which can lead to conflict, stubbornness, and pride. However, this scripture reminds us to be humble and gentle. Humility elevates those around you, places value on others, and recognizes when you need to take responsibility for your own actions. Then there is gentleness, a word that can often be seen as weak, which couldn’t be further from the truth. A synonym of this word is meekness, strength under control. Your spouse will most likely respond well to tenderness and care in words and actions, which will defuse any conflict. Love also includes grace and mercy, making allowances for each other’s faults. It’s recognizing neither of you is perfect and will make mistakes. However, to keep yourself humble, gentle, patient, and grace-filled, you must remain in a close relationship with God, because it won’t be by human efforts that you will succeed in these attributes. It is only through Him that you will experience complete peace.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32
The enemy wants to cause division in whatever ways he can; this includes an attempt at getting you frustrated enough to spout out harsh words and slander that will hurt your spouse. This then can lead to bitterness and rage towards the other person. Therefore this scripture points us toward kindness and tenderness. Seek to understand your spouse, choose to be empathetic, and get rid of all types of evil behavior. Be quick to apologize and be even quicker to forgive because while we were still sinners Jesus chose to love and go to the cross on our behalf anyway.
When we go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
The word you must be aware of in this verse is “when.” When hardships arise you can stand firm on scripture knowing that God will be with you. You are not alone. He will not give up on you or leave you. No matter how messy or complicated life may get, allow this scripture to remind you that as long as you remain in Him, He will carry you through. He will protect your heart and mind, and if you put your trust in Him, you will not drown and you will not get burned.
Let no one split apart what God has joined together. Mark 10:9
You don’t go into marriage thinking about divorce. It is not God’s best for you and your spouse, but there are times when a marriage is potentially headed in that direction. If things get to that point for your marriage be reminded of what God has brought together not anyone or anything should separate it. Don’t allow the word “divorce” to be a part of your arguments or threaten it during a heated moment. God brought you two together so do all you can to strengthen and deepen the love you have for one another.
Marriage is not always easy, but when you immerse yourself in God’s word He lightens the load. Be unshakeable and cling to His truth!