5 essential bible verses about marriage

Marriage is awesome. It’s also challenging. It takes work, lots of work. While there are plenty of books out there to help strengthen your marriage, the Good Book is the best place to start. Because you want holy matrimony, you need to study bible verses about marriage. It’s always wise to check with the Creator of marriage when looking to bolster wedded bliss.

Listen to Manhood Journey’s Father’s Day Special for Dads. Listen now.

You need to know these five bible verses about marriage:

1) 1 John 3:18 (NLT)—Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

You already know this, but it bears repeating, saying “I love you” is great, but showing it can be life-changing. Love for your wife is not a feeling or emotion. It is an action, a choice, a will of the heart to care for her more than you do yourself (Ephesians 5:33). The truth of our love for our partner will be demonstrated through our actions, not just our words.

2) Philippians 2:3 (NIV)—Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Following the example of Jesus drives us to extend His sense of “others first” mentality towards friends, neighbors, and coworkers. For whatever reason, we don’t always extend that same effort towards our marriage. We can be mean and harsh to her in ways we would never be with others (Colossians. 3:19). I’m not sure if it’s because she knows us better than anyone else or we are simply more comfortable around her, but we can certainly be more selfish in reaching for our goals and desires over hers. It’s wrong. We are to value our wives above everyone else on the planet. It’s the kind of love Scripture calls us to…

3) Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)—Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

God called us to love our brides the way Christ loved His sacrificially. He loved her perfectly and with all He had. That’s quite the standard. So, if your marriage isn’t about sacrifice, you’re doing it wrong. Don’t give the best of yourself to your job, hobby, friends, etc., and offer your wife whatever’s left. The sacrifices we make don’t always have to be major ones. I tend to think of this verse when I’m washing the dishes. It’s not quite the same thing as giving up your life, but after messy meals, it doesn’t feel far off.

4) 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (NLT)—The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.

I suggest having this bible verse professionally cross-stitched and framed. Then hang it above your bed. It’ll serve as a great reminder and make quite the showpiece.

5) 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)—Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Your wife isn’t perfect; no wife is—except for mine (you read that right, Sweets, I said you’re perfect). In all seriousness, she will need forgiveness from time to time. Don’t withhold it. Forgive her the same as Christ forgives you. Plus, if you’re like me, it will only be a matter of minutes before you have done something where you need her forgiveness. Forgiveness has a unique way of tearing down walls that get built up in a marriage. Grace can cover a multitude of mistakes.

You’re setting the example for your kids.

As a dad, you fill a primary role in teaching your kids about marriage. Therefore, your example will demonstrate to your son how he should treat his wife and instill in your daughter expectations of being valued by her husband. Keep practicing these bible verses about marriage, and you’ll keep your marriage moving in the right direction.

Dad, are you applying these verses in your marriage?