What Does God Say About Marriage? 11 Facts You Need To Know

Are you wondering what God says about marriage? Are you seeking guidance on building a solid and fulfilling relationship with your spouse? Do you want to understand marriage from a biblical perspective? If so, then this article is for you

In the Christian faith, marriage is more than just a legal or social agreement; it’s a covenant, a sacred vow taken before God, a commitment beyond worldly definitions. But what does the Bible, the holy book of Christianity, say about this divine institution?

This article will delve into 11 vital biblical principles that provide insight into God’s perspective on marriage. It’s not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about understanding these teachings so that you can apply them practically in your marriage.

Through this exploration, we aim to help you better understand marriage’s sanctity, purpose, and dynamics as defined by the Christian faith. Whether you’re already married, preparing for marriage, or simply wanting to understand this divine covenant, this article can serve as your guiding light. Let’s embark on this journey together to discover what God truly says about marriage.

1. Marriage is a Covenant

Marriage, as described in the Christian faith, is not merely a contract or an agreement between two individuals. It is a covenant, a sacred promise made before God. The concept of a covenant goes deeper than a legal contract; it’s a solemn and binding relationship characterized by commitment, trust, and mutual responsibility.

The Bible verse from Mark 10:9, “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate,” highlights the significance of this divine bond. When two people enter the marriage covenant, they essentially say to each other, “I am committing myself to you, and I will stay true to this commitment, no matter what.”

This principle emphasizes the permanence and sacredness of the marital bond, which should not be taken lightly. When challenges arise in marriage, as they inevitably do, the covenant mentality encourages couples to work through their issues instead of seeking an easy way out.

Practical Recommendations

• Understand the Weight of Your Vows: Before making a marital commitment, understand the weight of the vows you’ll be taking. They are not just words but a pledge to God and each other.

• Commitment Over Convenience: Always remember that a covenant is about commitment, not convenience. Sometimes, marriage feels difficult, but the commitment carries you through these challenges.

• Seek Guidance: If you’re experiencing difficulties in your marriage, seek guidance from trusted spiritual leaders or professional counselors who respect the sanctity of the marital covenant.

• Pray Together: Regular prayer can help strengthen the marital bond and keep God at the center of your relationship.

• Nurture Your Relationship: Like any living thing, a marriage must be nurtured to grow and thrive. Invest time, effort, and love into your relationship.

To further deepen your understanding of the covenant of marriage, consider reading some of the following recommended books:

• Covenant Marriage: Building Communication & Intimacy
• Marriage Covenant: The Biblical Secret For A Love That Lasts
• The Purpose for Marriage: The Spiritual Implications of the Covenant

These resources can provide further biblical insights into the sacredness and depth of the marital covenant.

Understanding and applying the principle of marriage as a covenant, couples can build a strong, resilient, and fulfilling relationship that reflects God’s design for marriage.

2. Real Love is Important in Marriage

The importance of love in marriage is profoundly emphasized in the Bible. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8). This verse highlights the power of love and its necessity in the marital relationship.

Interestingly, the Bible’s concept of love goes beyond the romantic feelings often depicted in popular culture. It’s not just a fleeting emotion; it’s an action, a commitment to put your spouse’s needs above your own. This kind of love, often referred to as “agape” love in the original Greek language of the New Testament, is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.

This principle teaches us that genuine love should be at the core of every marriage. It’s the glue that holds everything together, the balm that heals wounds, and the shield that guards against strife.

Practical Recommendations

1. Practice Selfless Love: Strive to love your spouse selflessly, putting their needs and desires before yours. This does not mean neglecting your needs but seeking a balance where both partners feel valued and cared for.

• Forgive Freely: Love involves forgiveness. Remember the verse, “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” When mistakes happen, be quick to forgive and let love guide your actions.

• Communicate with Love: Use words that build up, not tear down. Even in disagreements, communicate with respect and kindness.

• Show Appreciation: Regularly express your love and appreciation for your spouse. Small gestures can make a big difference.

To further solidify this principle of love in your marriage, consider reading the book “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman. This book provides practical advice on expressing love in ways that are most meaningful to your spouse.

Remember, love is the essential ingredient for a happy and fulfilling marriage. By understanding and applying this biblical principle, you can build a marriage that not only endures but also thrives.

3. Respect for Husbands

The Bible verse from Ephesians 5:22, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord,” has often been misunderstood. It’s important to note that this verse doesn’t advocate for inequality or subjugation. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of respect and consideration within the marital relationship.

In biblical teaching, respect involves recognizing the value of your spouse and treating them with dignity and honor. It also means acknowledging their role and responsibilities within the marriage and supporting them in carrying out these roles.

The principle here is not about one partner being superior to the other but about each partner playing their unique role in the marriage, in mutual love and respect. This harmonious interplay of roles creates a strong, balanced, and fulfilling marriage.

Practical Recommendations

1. Show Appreciation: Regularly appreciate your husband’s efforts and achievements. This can be a powerful way of showing respect.

• Support His Role: Understand and support your husband’s role and responsibilities in the family. This includes respecting his decisions and trusting his leadership.

• Communicate Respectfully: Even in disagreements, communicate with respect. Avoid belittling language.

• Pray for Him: Pray for your husband regularly, asking God to guide him and give him wisdom in his roles and responsibilities.

To further deepen your understanding of respect in marriage, consider reading “Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. This book provides practical insights into how all individuals need to feel loved and respected and how fulfilling these needs can create a more harmonious and fulfilling marriage.

Understanding and applying this biblical principle of respect for husbands can contribute to a stronger and more fulfilling marital relationship.

4. Husbands Love Your Wives

The Bible places equal importance on husbands’ love for their wives. Ephesians 5:25 instructs, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This verse sets a high standard for husbands, calling them to love their wives with the same selfless and sacrificial love that Christ has for the Church.

This kind of love goes beyond romantic affection or physical attraction. It’s a deep, enduring love that seeks the best for the beloved, even at personal cost. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for the Church, husbands are called to put their wives’ needs, happiness, and well-being before their own.

Practical Recommendations

1. Show Selfless Love: Strive to put your wife’s needs and happiness before your own. This might involve making sacrifices or compromises for her benefit.

• Express Your Love: Don’t assume your wife knows you love her. Regularly express your love in words and actions.

• Respect Her: Respect is a form of love. Treat your wife with respect, acknowledging her value and worth.

• Support Her: Be there for your wife in times of joy and sorrow, success and failure, health and sickness. Your support can be a powerful expression of your love for her.

To further understand and apply this principle of love for wives, consider reading “The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God” by Timothy Keller. This book offers practical insights into loving your wife as Christ loves the Church and how such love can transform your marriage.

By understanding and applying the biblical principle of love for wives, you can build a stronger, more fulfilling marriage that mirrors Christ’s love for the Church.

5. Honor in Marriage

The Bible places great emphasis on honoring the institution of marriage. Hebrews 13:4 instructs, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” This principle underscores the importance of respecting and upholding the sanctity of marriage.

To honor marriage is to regard it as sacred, valuable, and deserving of the highest respect. It’s a commitment between two individuals and before God, who instituted marriage. The verse also emphasizes fidelity within marriage, warning against adultery and sexual immorality.

Practical Recommendations

1. Maintain Fidelity: Uphold the sanctity of your marriage by remaining faithful to your spouse in thought, word, and deed.

• Respect Your Spouse: Show respect for your spouse through your words and actions. This shows respect for the institution of marriage itself.

• Prioritize Your Marriage: Make your marriage a priority. Spend quality time together, communicate openly, and work together to solve problems.

• Pray for Your Marriage: Regular prayer can help you focus on honoring the institution of marriage. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance in your marital journey.

To further understand and apply this principle of honoring marriage, consider reading “Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?” by Gary Thomas. This book offers profound insights into how to view and treat marriage as a sacred institution.

Understanding and applying the biblical principle of honoring marriage can contribute to a stronger, more fulfilling, and God-honoring marital relationship.

6. God Hates Divorce

The Bible makes a strong statement about divorce in Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel, “and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,” says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.” This verse emphasizes God’s disdain for divorce and the importance He places on maintaining faithfulness in marriage.

God’s perspective on divorce is rooted in His commitment to the covenant, which marriage represents. Marriage is viewed as a sacred bond, a lifelong commitment between two people, reflecting God’s unending commitment to His people. The pain, betrayal, and brokenness that come with divorce are contrary to God’s design for marriage.

Practical Recommendations

1. Commit to Resolve Conflicts: Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship. Commit to resolving conflicts in a healthy and constructive way.

• Seek Counseling: If you’re facing difficulties in your marriage, consider seeking help from a professional counselor or a trusted pastor.

• Pray for Your Marriage: Pray for wisdom, patience, understanding, and love to permeate your marriage. Ask God to guide you and your spouse through difficult times.

• Invest in Your Relationship: Spend quality time together, communicate openly and honestly, show appreciation, and keep the romance alive. These actions help to strengthen your marital bond.

To further understand and apply this principle of God’s view on divorce, consider reading “The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God” by Timothy Keller. This book offers practical insights into maintaining a strong, lasting, and God-honoring marriage.

By understanding and applying the biblical principle of God’s view on divorce, you can work towards a stronger, more resilient marriage that aligns with God’s design.

7. Companionship in Marriage

According to the Bible, marriage is a divine institution designed for companionship. Genesis 2:18 states, “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’“ This verse illustrates God’s intention for marriage: to provide a suitable companion so that no one would have to face life alone.

In this context, “helper” implies not inferiority but a deep connection and partnership. It signifies someone who complements, supports, and works alongside the other. The essence of marriage, therefore, is companionship and mutual support, reflecting God’s compassionate nature and His desire for us to experience love and companionship.

Practical Recommendations

1. Cultivate Friendship: Make your spouse your best friend. Share your thoughts, dreams, concerns, and joys with them, and take an interest in theirs.

• Support Each Other: Be there for your spouse in times of need. Offer encouragement, comfort, and help as needed.

• Spend Quality Time Together: Regularly spend time together doing things you both enjoy. This helps strengthen your bond and deepen your companionship.

• Communicate Openly and Honestly: Good communication is critical to strong companionship. Speak openly and honestly about your feelings, expectations, and concerns.

To further understand and apply this companionship principle in marriage, consider reading “The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman. This book offers practical advice on communicating love effectively and building a strong companionship within your marriage.

By understanding and applying the biblical principle of companionship in marriage, you can cultivate a deep, meaningful relationship with your spouse that reflects God’s love and companionship for us.

8. Leaving Parents After Marriage

The Bible instructs about a significant relationship shift when two people marry. Genesis 2:24 states, “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” This verse signifies the profound level of unity and intimacy that marriage entails.

The phrase “leave his father and mother” suggests a shift in primary allegiance from parents to spouse. While it doesn’t mean abandoning or neglecting one’s parents, it does mean that the marital relationship becomes the primary human relationship.

“Becoming One Flesh” further emphasizes the depth of marital unity. It’s not just a physical union but also an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual one. The two individuals, in essence, become a single entity, sharing life and its experiences together.

Practical Recommendations

1. Establish Boundaries: Respectful boundaries with your parents and in-laws can help you maintain the importance of your marital relationship.

• Prioritize Your Spouse: Make your spouse your top priority. Value their opinions, support them, and make decisions together.

• Foster Deep Connection: Invest time and effort in understanding each other, sharing your dreams and fears, and growing together spiritually.

• Nurture Intimacy: Physical closeness and emotional and intellectual intimacy are essential. Be open, vulnerable, and honest with each other.

To further understand and apply this principle of leaving parents and becoming one flesh, consider reading “The Power of a Praying® Husband” by Stormie Omartian. This book provides practical guidance on nurturing your marriage through prayer and implementing these biblical principles.

Understanding and applying the biblical principle of leaving parents and becoming one flesh can foster a deep, satisfying, and God-honoring marital relationship.

9. Children are a Blessing from God

The Bible views children as blessings and rewards from God in the context of marriage. As Psalm 127:3 states, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” This verse underscores God’s value and importance to children in the marital union.

Children are seen not only as a natural result of marriage but also as God’s gift, His inheritance given to parents to love, nurture, and guide. They will receive joy, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility.

Practical Recommendations

• Welcome Children: Be open to having children, understanding that they are a gift from God.

• Nurture Your Children: Invest time, love, and resources into raising your children. Teach them about God’s love and His ways.

• Model a Healthy Marriage: One of the best things you can do for your children is to model a healthy, loving marriage. This gives them a strong foundation and a positive example to follow.

• Pray for Your Children: Regularly pray for your children—for their health, development, character, and relationship with God.

To further understand and apply this principle of viewing children as a blessing in marriage, consider reading “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp. This book offers practical guidance on how to raise children in a God-honoring way, which aligns with the biblical view of children as a reward from God.

By understanding and applying the biblical principle of children as a blessing in marriage, you can embrace parenthood with joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility.

10. Forgiveness in Marriage Scripture

Marriage, as a lifelong commitment between two unique individuals, inevitably involves moments of misunderstanding, disagreement, and hurt. The Bible recognizes this reality and offers guidance in Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and forgiveness in maintaining a healthy and successful marriage.

Patience allows for understanding and growth, while forgiveness provides an opportunity for healing and restoration. Just as the Lord has forgiven us, we are called to extend that same grace to our spouses.

Practical Recommendations

• Exercise Patience: Understand that no one is perfect, including your spouse. Be patient with their shortcomings and appreciate their strengths.

• Offer Forgiveness: When your spouse makes mistakes or hurts you, be ready to forgive. Holding onto grudges only breeds resentment and hinders growth.

• Communicate Openly: If you have a grievance, communicate it openly but kindly. Avoid harsh words that can inflict more harm.

• Seek God’s Help: Pray for patience and a forgiving heart. Ask God for wisdom in handling conflicts and misunderstandings.

To further understand and apply this principle of patience and forgiveness in marriage, consider reading “The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God” by Timothy Keller. This book provides practical and biblically-based insights on navigating the challenges of marriage with grace and love.

By understanding and applying the biblical principle of patience and forgiveness, you can foster a thriving marriage that mirrors God’s unconditional love and mercy.

11. Prayer for Married Couples

Prayer is a vital instrument in a married couple’s life. As indicated in Matthew 18:19, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” This verse emphasizes the power and significance of collective prayer in marriage.

Prayer is not just about asking God for help or blessings. It’s also an intimate communication between you, your spouse, and God. It’s a time when you can express gratitude, seek guidance, find strength, and even intercede for each other.

Practical Recommendations

• Pray Together: Make it a habit to pray together regularly. This can strengthen your marital bond and deepen your relationship with God.

• Pray for Each Other: Intercede for your spouse in your prayers. Pray for their well-being, their challenges, and their spiritual growth.

• Seek God’s Guidance: Use prayer to seek God’s wisdom in your marital decisions and His strength in times of difficulties.

• Express Gratitude: Don’t just use prayer for requests. Also, use it to thank God for your spouse and the blessings in your life.

To further understand and apply the principle of prayer in marriage, consider reading “The Power of a Praying® Wife” by Stormie Omartian. This book provides practical advice on nurturing your marriage through prayer, aligning with the biblical emphasis on the power of prayer.

By understanding and applying the biblical principle of prayer in marriage, you can foster a relationship deeply rooted in faith, paving the way for a strong, resilient, spiritually nourishing marital bond.

Conclusion

These principles, drawn directly from the scriptures, offer valuable insights into what God says about marriage. They illuminate the path towards a solid and fulfilling marriage, underpinned by love, respect, unity, and commitment, qualities can fortify any marital bond.

However, understanding these principles is just the first step. To truly integrate them into your life, consider investing in the recommended books in this article. These resources provide practical tools and wisdom to facilitate your journey toward a God-centered marriage, effectively equipping you to stand firm against any adversities that may come your way.

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Thank you for reading this article. Your thoughts and comments are valuable to us, so please feel free to share them below. Remember, every step toward understanding and applying what God says about marriage is a step toward a more fulfilling and resilient marital relationship.

Stay blessed, and keep learning!

Further Readings:

• Discover How Positive Thinking Can Transform Your Life Through Godly Principles
• How to Find Spiritual Peace: Prayer for Peace of Mind and Heart
• The Power of Prayer: How Connecting with God Strengthens Faith and Inner Peace
• 7 Step Practical Guide on How to Study the Bible
• How to Study the Bible: 3 Simple Steps