5 Biblical Truths about Marriage

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Origins of Marriage

Adam & Eve

When we begin to look at biblical truths about marriage, we need to go back to the beginning. In the Genesis account of creation, God formed the first man, Adam, from the dust of the ground. But upon observing that Adam was alone, God recognized that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). None of the animals were suitable companions for Adam, so God took a remarkable step to provide him with a partner who would be his equal, made of the same essence. God put Adam into a deep sleep, took one of his ribs, and used it to create a woman, named Eve (Genesis 2:21-22). When Adam awoke and saw Eve, he recognized her as a perfect match for him, exclaiming, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). This passage tells us not only the unique creation of woman but also the beginning of the marriage covenant, which is fundamental in understanding God’s design for human relationships.

The fact that God formed Eve from Adam’s rib has great symbolism. By creating her from his side, God demonstrated that Eve was neither above nor below Adam but his equal. They were created to complement each other, each bringing unique attributes that together form a harmonious whole. This equality and complementarity reflect the biblical vision for marriage as a partnership where both husband and wife support and strengthen one another.

Adam, Eve, & Marriage

Genesis 2:24 summarizes the essence of marriage, saying, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse not only underscores the lifelong bond between husband and wife but also signifies the deep, spiritual unity that marriage is meant to embody. In marriage, two people become one, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Just as Eve was formed from Adam’s own flesh and blood, so in marriage, a husband and wife become joined together as a single, unified entity.

This passage also lays the foundation for the belief in the exclusivity of marriage between one man and one woman. God created one woman for Adam, showing His design for marital faithfulness and exclusivity. In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms this design in Matthew 19:4-6, emphasizing that marriage involves a man and a woman becoming one flesh and that what God has joined together, no one should separate.

Ultimately, the creation of Eve after putting Adam to sleep illustrates God’s perfect and intentional design for marriage. Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting unity, equality, and commitment. In this union, couples are called to mirror God’s love and commitment, demonstrating a deep bond that is both sacred and lifelong. Through this foundation, marriage serves as a testament to God’s plan for human companionship and His desire for relationships built on love, trust, and mutual respect.

The Bible & Marriage

These biblical truths for marriage today have changed the life of my marriage.

I’ve been married for 30 years and without the Bible I don’t think we would have made it this long. These truths ground us in what’s really important. Marriage is hard and being grounded in God’s word is essential for success.

God’s design for marriage is clear. A biblical marriage is designed to reflect the relationship that God has with His Church. God is the head of the Church. The Word of God outlines a clear definition of marriage – it’s a union of a man and a woman, with Him at the center (Genesis 2:24).

In today’s world, building a strong, rewarding  Christian marriage can be challenging, but the Bible offers timeless wisdom for married couples seeking a Christ-centered relationship. Whether you’re newlyweds or have spent years together, understanding marriage through God’s eyes can transform the way you love, communicate, and grow as a couple. God’s word is filled with principles that emphasize the beauty and purpose of a covenant marriage, helping husbands and wives cultivate a bond that reflects God’s love and grace.

In this post, we’ll explore five powerful biblical truths that every Christian married couple should know to strengthen their marriage and deepen their spiritual relationship. These Bible verses provide a foundation for unity, sacrificial love, forgiveness, respect, and the vital role of prayer in a lasting marriage. Dive into these Scriptures with me and discover God’s blueprint for a joyful, faith-filled marriage!

Biblical Truths

Marriage as a Covenant Relationship, Not Just a Contract

Sure, marriage is a contract in the natural world. But in the kingdom of God we are engaging in a sacred covenant relationship. This God-ordained institution includes mutual love and hard work. God’s expectations are that we will continue to work at our marriage and serve Him in the process. One way that covenant is lived out in a marriage is in the marriage bed. God says that the “marriage bed is not to be defiled” (Hebrews 13:4)

One great resource to understand this covenant view of marriage is Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. This book changed the way I view my marriage and turned it around from a tough time. There’s also a book of devotions, if you’re interested.

• Scripture: Malachi 2:14-15 – “The Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth… she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
• Key Point: God views marriage as a sacred covenant, not just a human agreement. Couples are called to view their commitment through this spiritual lens, promoting long-term unity and loyalty.

The Call to Love Sacrificially

A prudent wife and husband each knows that a marriage means loving sacrificially. To love sacrificially means that we give up our needs and put our husband’s needs above our own. Husbands are to do the same. Jesus Christ demonstrates this sacrificial love – when we were still sinners He gave up His life for us…every one of us. A good wife doesn’t look at what she gives up living sacrificially, she looks at what she gains – a stronger marriage and commitment to God’s calling. John 15:13 tells us that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. The purpose of marriage is to reflect God’s love – and we do that by living sacrificially.

I know, giving up our own needs isn’t fun. But when we get joy from seeing our spouse happy, this becomes much easier. Knowing that both of you are putting the other person first helps tremendously. When we know that we are both giving equally to the other then we can trust that our needs will be met.

• Scripture: Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
• Key Point: Marriage mirrors Christ’s love for the church, which is selfless and sacrificial. This calling challenges couples to love each other with humility and devotion, placing each other’s needs above their own.

Forgiveness and Grace in Marriage

Forgiveness and grace are at the heart of a good marriage. When we forgive we are not saying the infraction is acceptable, but that we no longer wand someone else’s infraction to hold us hostage. Grace is when we get what we don’t deserve. In this case, when we forgive we offer grace to the other person.

Our own sin can keep us from offering forgiveness and grace to our spouse. When we are so preoccupied with our own sin, the things we’ve done wrong, we also feel like we don’t deserve God’s forgiveness and grace. But that’s a lie. God’s Son died for every single sin of every single person. He forgives us when we ask. So if you are struggling with your own sins and feeling unforgiven, know that He forgives you as soon as you repent (turn from your sin and ask for forgiveness).

I know forgiveness is difficult. If you struggle with this, I strongly recommend checking out the Forgiving Forward program. I participated in this and learned lessons I still use today.

• Scripture: Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance… forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
• Key Point: Forgiveness is essential for a lasting marriage. Couples are encouraged to let go of past hurts, just as Christ forgives, building a foundation of mercy and grace.

Respect as a Cornerstone of Love

Respect is another way to view marriage. When we respect each other, we don’t have to agree. Respect means that we honor the person by listening, caring, and setting aside our own wants and desires. One element of respect is mutual support – we speak well of our spouse, we encourage him to be the best person he/she can be, and we believe the best about him/her.

Respect is a tricky thing. It’s hard to define but we know when we don’t feel respected. And if we pay attention to our thoughts, we know if we are feeling disrespectful toward our spouse. I know this for sure. There are seasons of my marriage when I think poorly about my husband – I just get irritated by little things and begin to disparage him in my mind. The problem with that lack of respect in my mind is that it spills over into a lack of respect in my actions. The most important response to this lack of respect is to take those thoughts captive – admit them, pray about them that God would forgive us ad help us to see our spouse the way He does – and actively seek out those characteristics that we love. A single text every day can help with this activity.

• Scripture: Ephesians 5:33 – “Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
• Key Point: Mutual respect strengthens the bond between husband and wife. This biblical principle emphasizes the importance of honoring each other’s dignity and worth.

The Role of Prayer in Building a Strong Marriage

Marriage, this institution of God, is ineffective without prayer. God’s Word is clear that prayer is essential for our relationship with God, and it is just as important to our marriage. We need to pray individually and together.

Marriage is not 50/50 – sometimes we give more than other times. Sometimes we need to receive more than we give. In a healthy marriage relationship, though, we know that it all evens out. And prayer helps us through the times of giving and receiving. Marriage is an intimate relationship and that means we know each other better than anyone else. That intimacy should mean that we give, even if the other person can’t give 100% of themselves every minute.

If you feel hurt by your spouse, pray before responding. Ask God to guide your words and actions. Believe the best about your spouse. Know that he/she doesn’t intend to hurt you. Prayer will help you to see your spouse the way God sees him/her. Here is a good book that helps you to talk with your spouse, especially when times are tough.

• Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition… present your requests to God.”
• Key Point: Prayer is a powerful tool for inviting God’s guidance into marriage. Couples who pray together cultivate deeper trust and resilience, seeking divine wisdom through all seasons.

Let’s Pray (individual)

Lord God, thank you that each of us, my spouse and I, are each made in the God’s own image. Thank you that our marriage reflects the relationship you have with your Church. Thank you for my spouse who loves me and respects me. I believe you want the best for my marriage. Please help me to communicate with my spouse in a way that honors You and my spouse. Please help me to love my spouse more every single day. I pray that our covenant would be pleasing to you, O Lord. Send the holy spirit to help me be a wife/husband after your own heart, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Let’s Pray (for couples)

Lord God, thank you for our marriage. We come before you to rededicate our marriage to you. We want you at the center of our lives together. Help us to honor this covenant, to love sacrificially, to forgive regularly, to respect daily, and to pray without ceasing for our marriage to be strong and holy. Please show us how to study your word together so we can grow in our faith and in our love for you. We love you and want our marriage to be pleasing to you, Lord. Send the holy spirit to fill us with your love. Thank you for the gift of marriage. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Wrapping Up

There you have it – five key biblical truths for your marriage, along with two bonus prayers! I pray that these Scriptures help you to find God’s plan for you and your marriage in His Word. A life spent in the Bible is a life well spent. That time will honor God and help guide every relationship, including your marriage.

In Christ,

🌸 Andrea

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