What The Bible Say About Marriage
The Bible has a lot to say about marriage and is a great source of guidance for couples. It reminds us of the importance of marriage and gives us an understanding of the way that Jesus Christ intended marriage to be. In this article, we will look at some of the key teachings from the Bible about marriage and provide an insight into why they are so important.
The Bible clearly emphasises that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. In the book of Genesis, the Bible says “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Genesis 2:24). This is a strong declaration against divorce and shows the strength of the bond that God intends couples to have. In the book of Matthew, Jesus states “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). These verses clearly demonstrate the importance of marriage, honouring its sanctity, and the need for couples to remain committed in marriage.
The Bible also teaches us about the roles of husbands and wives in marriage. According to the Bible, husbands are to be the leaders of their wives and serve as the head of the family unit. They are expected to “love their wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). This verse places a heavy emphasis on the need for husbands to be selfless and to lovingly serve their wives. The Bible also instructs wives to “submit themselves to their husbands as they would to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). This instructs wives to be respectful towards their husbands and to submit to their leadership.
The Bible also outlines the roles that children should have in the family unit. The book of Colossians states “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). This emphasises the importance of children being obedient and respectful to their parents, something that is essential for healthy relationships within the family. Similarly, the book of Ephesians says “ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). This verse highlights the responsibility of fathers to raise their children with a strong foundation in Christ, teaching them His word and leading them in ways that are consistent with His teachings.
The Bible also encourages couples to work towards oneness in marriage. In the book of Genesis, Adam is described as “one flesh” with his wife Eve (Genesis 2:24). This verse demonstrates the unity that God desires for couples in marriage and the level of intimacy that should be shared between spouses. The Bible also instructs couples to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). This emphasises the need for couples to seek forgiveness and reconciliation when their relationship encounters difficulties.
In conclusion, the Bible provides us with an insight into God’s view of marriage and the way He intends couples to live in it. It underlines the importance of lifelong commitment, and outlines the roles of husbands, wives and children. It encourages couples to work towards oneness, and strive for a relationship of mutual respect, understanding and forgiveness.
The Role of Communication in Marriage
Effective communication is one of the most important aspects of a successful marriage. When couples are able to communicate and understand each other, their relationship flourishes and becomes stronger, while a lack of communication or miscommunication can lead to a breakdown of the marriage. The Bible recognises the importance of communication, and reminds us to “do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). This verse encourages us to use our words to build each other up, rather than using them to tear each other down.
The Bible also explicitly states that couples should not “provoke” each other in discussions and arguments (Ephesians 4:31). This encourages couples to maintain a level of respect in conversations, even if they become heated. We are also reminded of the need to listen to each other and to take the time to understand one another’s point of view. The Bible says “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). This encourages couples to take the time to fully listen and understand each other’s perspective, so that they can work together to reach an agreeable solution.
The Bible also tells us that communication in marriage should not be superficial. It should be deep and meaningful, with couples discussing their hopes, dreams and fears. We are instructed to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This verse encourages us to have meaningful conversations and to support each other, so that our marriage can endure any challenges that may arise.
In conclusion, communication is an essential part of a successful marriage and the Bible encourages us to use our words to build each other up, rather than tear each other down. We should always listen to each other, have meaningful conversations and provide each other with the encouragement that is necessary for a healthy marriage.
The Role of Forgiveness in Marriage
Forgiveness is an integral element of a successful marriage. When couples are able to forgive each other and move past mistakes, they bring healing to their marriage. The Bible tells us “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). This verse emphasises the importance of forgiveness and encourages us to be quick to forgive and not hold grudges.
The Bible also tells us “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). This verse reminds us that love is an ultimate force that can counteract any wrongdoings. We are also instructed to “put on love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). This verse encourages us to build each other up with love, rather than allowing resentment or bitterness to take root in our relationship.
Forgiveness can also be seen in the example of Jesus. In the book of Luke, Jesus is asked to forgive his enemies. He turns to God and says “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This verse reminds us that even when we are wronged, we should strive to forgive. We should not allow grudges to destroy our marriage, but instead try to forgive one another and heal the wounds of our past.
In conclusion, forgiveness is an essential element of a successful marriage and the Bible encourages us to turn to love and forgiveness when our marriage encounters bumps along the way. We should strive to forgive each other and build our relationship on a foundation of understanding, mutual respect and compassion.
The Role of Trust in Marriage
Trust is an essential part of a successful marriage, and it is something that needs to be continuously nurtured. Without trust, it is difficult for a marriage to develop and grow. The Bible highlights the importance of trust in marriage and instructs couples to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). This verse reminds us that ultimately, we need to trust God in order to trust each other, and to rely on His wisdom rather than our own human understanding.
The Bible also encourages couples to be faithful to each other. In the book of Malachi, God warns couples against adultery and states “But I warn you—unless you obey me, and keep the commandments and statutes I have given you, I will punish you with sudden terrors and diseases, which you cannot heal” (Malachi 2:2). This emphasises the need for couples to remain committed to each other, and to build their relationship on a foundation of faithful love.
We are also reminded that trust in marriage should go beyond physical boundaries and include our thoughts and feelings. The Bible says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour. For if either of them falls, their companion can help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). This verse encourages couples to share their thoughts and feelings, so that they can help one another through difficult times and ensure that their marriage remains strong.
In conclusion, trust is an essential part of a successful marriage and the Bible encourages us to trust God and remain faithful to each other. We should strive to build our marriage on a foundation of committed love and trust, so that we can help each other through difficulties.
The Role of Prayer in Marriage
Prayer is an important part of any successful marriage. It encourages couples to come together in their faith, seek guidance and support each other through their shared faith journey. In the book of James, we are reminded of the importance of prayer and asked to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). This verse demonstrates the power of prayer to bring healing and reconciliation to a marriage.
The Bible also encourages couples to pray for wisdom and understanding in their marriage. In the book of Proverbs, we are told “to lack a wise heart is to lack knowledge” (Proverbs 11:12). This verse emphasises the need for couples to ask God for wisdom, so that they can make informed decisions and have clarity in their relationship.
We are also reminded that prayer can strengthen a marriage and bring peace and joy. The Bible says “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). This verse encourages couples to stay hopeful and faithful in prayer, so that they can experience the joy and peace that come with a strong marriage.
In conclusion, prayer is an important part of a successful marriage and the Bible encourages us to pray for each other and seek guidance from God. We should strive to pray together, to bring healing and unity to our marriage and to experience the joy and peace that comes with a strong relationship.
