The Bible is the perfect guide to how we should live our lives, and no more than in the realm of marriage. Here are 21 lessons we can learn from the scriptures that show us how to shape our marriage relationships according to God’s will for us.
Marriage is the beginning of a great love story. Keeping a couple happy is a daily job that both of you have to do
Marriage is much more than a civil contract with legal benefits. Marriage is an essential part of God’s plan. The Bible teaches us God’s expectations for marriage and gives us practical advice about the relationship.
20 Good marriage and life lessons
Having a happy marriage is the dream of every couple who bets on taking the big step to get married. Having confidence, independence and loyalty are some of the pillars. Check out some of the good marriage lessons below.
1. Marriage is the beginning of a new family
Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh . “
The phrase “leave and join” can have many different meanings, but it basically means that a new family unit is created. Our wedding vows refer to an indelible separation from our past life and to move forward together as a new family. But even more profoundly, it speaks of the unification between two individuals within the divinely inspired and approved plan for marriage.
2. Marriages should never be broken
Matthew 19:6 says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man put asunder . “
Jesus gives very few exceptions to the general rule that marriages should never be separated. From physical expression to emotional dependency, there are many ways marriage binds two hearts together. Furthermore, marriage is a blessing from God that should not be neglected; humanity should not try to separate what God has blessed to be together.
3. God must be at the center of all marriages that want to be successful.
Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
When we build the foundation of our life on anything other than the Word of God, it will never last. It must be our only guide and direction to live, and its protection will always be enough to keep us safe. We should always view our marriages through the lens of Scripture, and look to God for guidance and comfort as we go through life with our spouses.
4. We must always be on guard against temptation.
Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak . “
Jesus spoke these words to his disciples the night before he was arrested and crucified, but the command applies to us today. Our heart’s reaction may be to focus on the things of God, but our thoughts and actions can fall back into the ways of sin if we are not vigilant. We should always strive to proactively turn our attention to God, and when we are tempted, we should ask God for strength to resist it and a way to escape.
5. Turn to God when you don’t have all the answers
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him . “
No marriage is perfect, and no one will have the solution to every problem or argument. When couples enter these times of conflict, they must approach God with the confidence that He will give them the answers they seek. Appealing to God is always the best option when our own knowledge and experience can lead us astray.
6. Marriage is a mutual relationship
Colossians 3:18-19 says, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. “
The lordship of the husband is clearly preached in the Scriptures, but it is crucial to understand this lordship in the context of mutual submission. This means that we should never exercise undue power or dominance over our spouses, but rather seek to build each other up. Many other passages elaborate on this point, but we must always remember that we are to serve each other in our marriages.
7. We are meant to enjoy our marriages
Ecclesiastes 9:9 says: “Enjoy life with the woman you love, all the days of the vain life she has given you under the sun, because that is your part in life and in the work you do under the sun. “ .
Marriage has been given to us as a blessing from God, so we should be thankful for his provision and enjoy it. It can bring us an additional measure of joy beyond our relationship with God, for our marriage relationship should be the closest human relationship we have, and therefore our greatest source of earthly joy.
8. Spouses should not deprive each other
1 Corinthians 7:3-4 says, “The husband should return her conjugal rights to his wife, and in the same way the wife to her husband. For the wife has no authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, The husband has no authority over his own body, but the wife does.”
There may be reasons not to be intimate with others – Paul gives dedicated times of prayer as a concrete example – but we must be open and loving to others at all times. Extending the concept of mutual submission, we should also submit to a mutual surrender of our entire being to the other person.
9. An affair may not always be physical.
Matthew 5:27-28 says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.“
Lust can cause significant damage and harm to marriages. Even if a spouse doesn’t stray physically, he can be unfaithful with his or her mind or her emotions. According to Jesus, this matter of the heart is just as sinful, and God will not tolerate it in a marriage relationship.
10. Do not take your eyes off God when you are together
1 Kings 11:4 says, “For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart to other gods, and his heart was not wholly faithful to the Lord his God, as was that of his father David .”
The danger inherent in any couple that is not made up of two believers is that the Christian may be led astray by the unbelieving spouse. The New Testament also warns of this, but offers opportunities for the believer to witness to his spouse and lead him to Christ. However, it is very important that both spouses focus on God throughout their marriage, otherwise, they could drift away from God.
11. Love Lasts Forever
1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love endures all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things .”
Nobody is perfect; We will all make mistakes or fall short of expectations. The key is to get up, hold your spouse’s hand, and love them no matter what. When the two of you are united, with God for strength and comfort, you can withstand anything and weather any storm that comes your way.
12. Living and preaching the Word of God is paramount.
Malachi 2:6 says, “True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and righteousness, and turned many away from wickedness .”
Worshiping together as a couple is vital to growing your individual faith journey, as well as the faith of your family. When you teach each other from the Word of God, it inevitably rubs off on others. It can also help you maintain a God-honoring lifestyle outside of church activities.
13. Remember that God runs your marriage.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you, he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged .”
God went ahead of the nation of Israel to prepare the Promised Land for them. He went ahead of the apostles to prepare their mission fields when they left. He will prepare your lives and your path for marriage if you remain faithful and fearless in the face of adversity. When you remember that God is for you, you know that the hardest battle against sin is already won.
14. Value your spouse above everything in this life
Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a fine wife? She is far more valuable than jewels .”
Proverbs 31 is often held up as a model of a Christian wife. The lesson here begins with valuing your wife and recognizing the treasure she represents. Both husband and wife should acknowledge this and thank God for having blessed them with a partner and help throughout their lives. Whatever they do, be grateful for who they are.
15. Keep the mind of Christ.
Philippians 2:5 says, “Have this mindset among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus .”
This is good advice for anyone at any stage of faith, but especially important in a marriage. Jesus had the mind and heart of a servant, and he never sought his own good, but the good of those around him in the will of the Father. We should approach our marriages with the same zeal to do good for others.
16. Save yourself only for your husband
Job 31:1 says, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then can I look at a virgin?” .
Marriage is a covenant: a solemn promise to reserve yourself only for your spouse. That means looking for the next best thing is completely out of the question. If you are serious about the commitment to a faithful marriage, you have to reject any temptation that comes your way.
17. Kiss your spouse and show your best love.
Song of Solomon 8:3 says, “His left hand is under my head, and his right hand kisses me!” .
Marriage is a cause of total happiness and bliss. Kiss your spouse, hug him and show him your affection. It is healthy and loving, and it is an expression of the happiness that you feel in your heart. When you’re in love, it’s often the easiest thing to show your love to your partner.
18. Moving forward together in love and peace
Ephesians 4:2-3 says, “With all humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, seeking to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace .”
Humility, gentleness, and patience are three keys to the success of any relationship. In a marriage, humility, which is not seeking your own way, meekness, which is forgiving and putting up with your spouse, and patience, when your own pride gets in the way, will forge unbreakable bonds of love and peace in your marriage. These are important elements for a lasting relationship.
19. Be loving and faithful in all things
Proverbs 3:3 says, “Do not let steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart . “
The Hebrews were instructed to place the Word of God on their doors and gates, and even tradition dictated that they keep small scrolls tied to their foreheads and wrists. Although today we are not required to do the same, it is essential that you keep the Word of God close to you so that your whole life is guided by its precepts and statutes.
20. Don’t let anger rule your relationships.
James 1:19-20 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers, that every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God . “
Anger can cause many problems in a marriage: heated arguments, hurt feelings, and even separation if the anger is not controlled. First of all, we must listen instead of talk, which ensures that both sides are heard and that no one is left behind. Remember that anger is not the way to imitate Christ. Rather, we should open our hearts with love and forgiveness, even in the hottest moments.
Love is selfless and benevolent; he does not seek to obtain what he wants.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient and kind; love is not envious or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on getting what it wants; it is not irritable or resentful.”
This chapter of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is read at many weddings, and it is a good example of how we should behave in a marriage relationship. We should be patient and kind to our spouses, and not be jealous of them or brag too much about our own accomplishments. We must be deferential and forgiving, showing love in all things and building that solid foundation on the things of God.