Christian marriages are often built on a foundation of biblical principles that provide guidance and strength to the relationship. A marriage built on these foundational Biblical Principles will be strengthened in a way that allows the couples to know where they stand with one another, always.
Here are some key biblical principles that can help strengthen the bond in Christian marriage:
- God-Centered Foundation: The most fundamental principle in a Christian marriage is to keep God at the center.
Without God at the center of our Christian marriage, we just have marriage and in many cases, some people would think that would be enough to carry people forward in their relationship. I have been down that path and I can tell you for certain. Marriage is ALWAYS better when Christ is in the center. There isn’t enough money in the world to get me to go back to the days when I tried through blood, sweat, and tears to get off of that crazy cycle by myself….to no avail. I NEEDED GOD IN THE CENTER and that was the ONLY thing that helped us get out of that rut!
- Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a cord of three strands is not easily broken, emphasizing the importance of including God in your marriage.
- Love and Respect: This one goes without saying….or does it?
Understanding the way men and women are hardwired by God and the reality that women need love and men need respect was a foundational truth that shook our marriage to the core!
As we attended a Love and Respect weekend, I sat there the entire event with tears streaming down my face with the realization that my husband and I had BOTH wanted the same thing in our marriage for years and years….and we stayed on that crazy cycle because no one had helped us to see what we needed to do to get off of it….and here was THE ANSWER!!
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- Ephesians 5:25-33 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and wives to respect their husbands. This mutual love and respect create a harmonious atmosphere in the marriage
- Forgiveness: Just as God forgives us, Christian spouses are called to forgive each other.
- Colossians 3:13 states, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
- Servant Leadership:
- Ephesians 5:21 teaches mutual submission in marriage, with both spouses serving each other in love. Husbands are encouraged to lead by serving their wives selflessly.
- Communication:
- Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Christian couples should strive for open, honest, and loving communication.
- Prayer:
- Philippians 4:6 encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Praying together as a couple and individually can bring you closer to God and each other.
- Unity:
- Mark 10:8 reminds us that in marriage, “the two will become one flesh.” Christian spouses should seek unity in their decisions, goals, and actions, working together as a team.
- Fruit of the Spirit:
- Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Cultivating these qualities in your marriage will strengthen the bond.
- Commitment: Christian marriage vows often include phrases like “till death do us part.” This commitment reflects God’s unchanging faithfulness and encourages spouses to remain steadfast in their love and loyalty.
- Encouragement and Support:
- Hebrews 10:24-25 advises us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Christian spouses should uplift and support each other in their faith and life journey.
- Humility:
- Philippians 2:3-4 teaches us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” and to “value others above yourselves.” Humility helps resolve conflicts and maintain a loving atmosphere.
- Contentment:
- 1 Timothy 6:6 states, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Christian couples should find contentment in their marriage and avoid comparing it to others.
By embracing these biblical principles, Christian couples can strengthen the bond in their marriage, cultivate a loving and God-honoring relationship, and navigate the challenges of life together with faith and grace.