“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4
bible verses about abstinence in marriage
Commitment to Purity
In our journey as spouses, we understand that maintaining a commitment to purity is vital for the strength of our marriages. Abstinence within the confines of marriage isn’t just about physical actions; it reflects our devotion to one another and to God. This commitment demonstrates our respect for the sacred union we’ve entered into. When we choose to honor our vows, we not only demonstrate our faithfulness but also create a loving and trusting environment where our relationship can flourish. We find strength in God’s promises and his call for us to uphold purity in our marriages.
1 Thessalonians 4:3
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18
Hebrews 12:14
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
The Value of Self-Control
As we navigate through our marriages, we often encounter moments that test our self-control. Choosing abstinence during difficult times can strengthen our character and our bond as a couple. Self-control isn’t merely about restraint; it offers us a chance to focus on the deeper core of our relationship. By practicing control, we can show our love for one another and God, cultivating an atmosphere where trust and intimacy can thrive. We can lean on each other and pray together, encouraging that self-control which brings us closer to fulfilling God’s plans for our lives.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Titus 2:12
“Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” – Titus 2:12
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Proverbs 25:28
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” – Proverbs 25:28
2 Peter 1:5-6
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control.” – 2 Peter 1:5-6
Trust in God’s Timing
In our relationship, trusting in God’s timing can sometimes be challenging, especially when faced with outside pressures and desires. By choosing abstinence, we affirm our faith in the divine timing that God has set for our marriage. This faith helps us to grow stronger as partners and individuals. It teaches us to wait for the right moments when we can express our love for each other in the fullness that honors our commitment to God. Even when the wait feels long, we bond over shared prayers and hopes, reminding ourselves that God’s plan is better than any momentary satisfaction.
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” – Psalm 27:14
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Building a Strong Foundation
Every marriage progresses on a foundation of love, respect, and shared values. Abstinence encourages us to fortify that foundation, allowing us to focus on emotional intimacy and spiritual connection. As we abstain from certain aspects of our relationship, we build deeper connections based on trust and understanding. This creates an environment where we can explore each other’s hearts and minds. It becomes about more than physical attraction; it fosters compassion, empathy, and communication, which are essential for a lifetime together in God’s eyes.
Matthew 7:24
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24
Proverbs 24:3
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” – Proverbs 24:3
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Song of Solomon 8:6
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave.” – Song of Solomon 8:6
Ephesians 4:2
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Loving Through Challenges
Challenges are a part of every marriage, but abstinence helps us to confront them together with love. By setting boundaries, we allow ourselves to grow and mature in our relationship. Through these shared experiences, we learn how to support one another during difficult times, cultivating patience and understanding. We tackle issues together, always relying on God’s strength to guide us. Love deepens as we work through our struggles, leading to a partnership that stands strong against life’s uncertainties.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Honoring God Through Abstinence
Ultimately, choosing abstinence in our marriage is a way to honor God and the covenant we have made together. It’s a journey that reflects our commitment to uphold the values of love and respect. By placing God at the center of our marriage, we align our hearts with His will, strengthening our bond and inviting His blessings into our lives. Each choice we make in our relationship can be an expression of our devotion to God. Let us commit to honoring Him in all aspects of our marriage, allowing His love to guide us.
1 Peter 2:12
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” – 1 Peter 2:12
Proverbs 3:6
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:6
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the importance of abstinence in marriage, we can see how vital it is for building a loving and respectful relationship. Each of us has a role in this commitment, rooted in purity, self-control, and faith in God’s timing. We recognize that by trusting Him, we can create the foundation for a strong marriage that honors Him and each other. Our journey together is enriched as we learn to love through challenges and stay focused on God’s plans for our lives.
Encouraging one another in our marital commitments allows us to face whatever life brings our way, knowing that God will bless our choices. Let’s continue to honor Him and nurture our marriages with patience, love, and respect. Remember, as we grow together in abstinence and faith, we strengthen the bond that brings us closer to one another and to God.
If you want to explore more topics about strengthening your marriage, check out these insightful readings on Keeping God at the Center of Your Marriage and Kissing Before Marriage.