Marriage is beautiful, but let’s be honest: it is also really hard work.
Whether you are newlyweds navigating your first year, or you’ve been married for decades and feel like you’re drifting apart, every marriage goes through seasons of struggle. Misunderstandings happen. Patience runs thin. Life gets in the way.
The good news is that God invented marriage. He knows exactly how it works and what it needs to thrive. The Bible is full of blueprints for how to love your spouse not just when it’s easy, but when it’s difficult.
Make God the center of your relationship every morning. Download the DailyLight App for free to read a verse together with your spouse each day.
What does the Bible say about marriage?
The Bible describes marriage not as a contract, but as a covenant. A contract says, “I’ll do my part if you do yours.” A covenant says, “I am committed to you, no matter what.” Scripture calls us to a radical kind of love—one that serves, forgives, and puts the other person first.
Verses for Love and Patience
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:2-3
What this means: Notice the word “bearing.” It implies that loving someone can feel like a weight sometimes. Marriage isn’t just about enjoying the other person; it’s about “putting up with” their quirks and flaws with gentleness, just as they put up with yours.
Prayer: Lord, give me the patience to bear with my spouse today. Soften my heart where it has become hard.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8
What this means: Your spouse will make mistakes. They will forget things. They will say the wrong thing. Love acts as a “covering”—it chooses not to keep a record of wrongs. It chooses to let the small things go.
Prayer: Help me to love deeply enough to cover the small offenses. I choose to let go of resentment.
Want to bless your home?
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Verses for Unity and Strength
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12
What this means: You and your spouse are two strands, but God is the third. When you invite God into your arguments, your finances, and your decisions, the marriage becomes unbreakable. You are not fighting each other; you are fighting for the marriage, with God’s help.
Prayer: Lord, be the third strand in our marriage. Hold us together when we feel like pulling apart.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking…” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
What this means: This is the famous wedding verse, but it is meant for the Tuesday mornings when you are tired and grumpy. Love is not a feeling; it is an action. It is the choice to be kind when you want to be rude.
Prayer: Teach me to be kind today, even when I am tired. Help me to not be self-seeking.
3 Ways to apply these verses to your marriage
- The “10-Second” Hug: Research shows a 10-second hug releases oxytocin. Do this when you get home from work before you check your phone.
- Pray Together: It feels awkward at first, but try praying out loud for just 1 minute before bed. It is impossible to stay angry at someone you are praying for.
- The “Grace” Text: Send your spouse a text right now that says, “I appreciate you because [X].”
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my spouse isn’t a believer? 1 Peter 3 encourages spouses to win their unbelieving partners over “without words,” by the purity and reverence of their lives. Your actions preach louder than your lectures.
How do we stop fighting about money? Pray over your finances first. Invite God into your budget. Remember that you are on the same team, not enemies.
Can a marriage survive infidelity? With God, yes. It is incredibly hard and requires deep counseling and repentance, but God is in the business of resurrection. He can bring dead things back to life.
Conclusion
Your marriage is a picture of the Gospel. It is messy, but it is worth fighting for. Ask God today to give you the strength to love your spouse the way He loves you.
Next Step: Deepen your connection with God and each other. Download the DailyLight App and browse our Etsy Shop for resources to build a faith-filled home.