Bible Verses for Staying Strong in Marriage
Marriage can be challenging at times. Even the most loving couples face obstacles and need encouragement to stay strong in their commitment to one another.
The good news is that the Bible offers much wise advice to nourish and sustain the marital bond. Let’s explore some key bible verses about persevering together and relying on God’s strength when times get tough.
1. The Importance of Unity
One of the most important principles in scripture for a thriving marriage is unity of spirit and purpose. Genesis 2:24 explains that “a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” They are joined together in an intimate covenant relationship, merging their once separate lives into one.
Ephesians 5:31 reinforces this point saying, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Staying focused on continued unity is essential.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 further illustrates why unity is so vital by poetically stating that “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This emphasizes the strength that comes from sticking together through thick and thin and relying on each other for support.
2. The Power of Love
Of course, love is what fuels the engine of marriage. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provides an excellent description of what true love in action looks like: “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, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Applying these principles by showing unconditional love covers over many sins and flaws that could divide you.
In a similar way, Romans 12:10 encourages believers to “be devoted to one another in love” by honoring and giving preference to each other. Philippians 2:3-4 also reminds couples to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Choosing to uplift your spouse above yourself quiets the ego and cultivates an atmosphere where love can thrive.
3. The Blessing of Forgiveness
Because all couples mess up and have conflicts, forgiveness is essential for healing rifts in a marriage. Colossians 3:13 advises that we “…Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Thankfully, Christ forgives all our sins, so we must extend the same grace to our beloved.
Similarly, Ephesians 4:32 declares “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” As He loves us unconditionally, we must love our spouse despite mistakes. Holding grudges over hurts only breeds more bitterness and isolation. But by forgiving fully, the marriage bond reknits even stronger than before.
4. Praying Together
Trying times reveal the deep need for prayer in shoring up marriages. James 5:16 notes that “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” When couples join together in earnest prayer, it forges spiritual intimacy and invites God’s help. Matthew 18:19 reinforces this: “If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Additionally, praying together safeguards the relationship by warding off negative outside influences.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 affirms this protective barrier: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The third strand refers to God at the center of the marriage. Making prayer a priority adds divine strength and protection to the union.
5. Cultivating Intimacy
While unity, forgiveness and prayer create emotional intimacy in marriage, physical intimacy also plays a crucial bonding role. 1 Corinthians 7:5 explains that couples should “not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.
Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” So, healthy sexual relations help couples avoid temptation and build affectionate oneness.
Song of Solomon poetically depicts the joy and celebration of intimacy within marriage. In passages like 7:6-9 it says, “How beautiful you are and how pleasing…Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit…I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.’
May your breasts be like clusters of grapes.” This affirms the goodness of a married sexual union. Honoring each other through physical intimacy sustains the marital foundation.
6. Overcoming Adversity
Sometimes spouses fall into patterns of selfishness or harmful behaviors like addiction that can strain the relationship. In such cases, it is important to set healthy boundaries and refuse to enable dysfunction. Yet even in the face of adversity, reconciliation through repentance is possible with God’s help.
Luke 17:3-4 counsels, “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” This does not mean allowing persistent abuse.
But it does offer grace for a sincerely repentant spouse who actively seeks to rebuild trust and restore intimacy through counseling or recovery programs. With compassion and sacrificial effort, even marriages that seem doomed can rise again from the ashes.
7. Bible Verses for Renewal
When erosion creeps into the foundation of a marriage, God’s Word offers hope and guidance to resolidify the bond. Here are some additional scriptures for renewing unity and devotion:
Malachi 2:14-15 “The Lord is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant…So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.”
Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Proverbs 15:17 “Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Conclusion
Marriage is a precious gift, but it requires constant nurturing to remain healthy and strong. During stormy times filled with conflicts and pain, relying on God’s Word offers comfort, wisdom and strength to persevere together. Cling to promises of forgiveness, reconciliation, protection and restoration.
Pray in unity, extending selfless love that bears all things. Most importantly, keep Christ at the center of your bond as the loving glue cementing your hearts as one. With God’s help, compassion and sacrifice, every married couple can build an unbreakable, lifelong partnership flowing with intimacy, joy and purpose.
