But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33
The Foundation of Our Marriage
In our shared lives as married couples, we recognize that the foundation of our marriage is built upon God. When we place our relationship with Him at the core of our union, we begin to experience a profound connection that goes beyond our human understanding. God serves as the guide and protector of our bond, supporting us through the ups and downs. The Bible encourages us to turn to God first; by doing so, we create a firm and lasting foundation that nurtures love and mutual respect in our marriage.
Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. – Psalm 127:1
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12
1 Corinthians 3:11
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 3:11
Ephesians 2:19-20
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. – Ephesians 2:19-20
Matthew 7:24
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. – Matthew 7:24
Seeking God Together
When we embark on the beautiful journey of marriage, seeking God together is essential. Praying together, participating in worship, and incorporating God-centered activities into our lives helps strengthen our bond. By inviting God into our daily routines and decisions, we allow His wisdom to shape our choices, ensuring our marriage thrives. Together, we can explore God’s Word, discussing it openly with each other and learning how to embody His principles in our relationship.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20
James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – James 4:8
Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. – Colossians 3:16
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
God’s Love in Our Marriage
As spouses, it is vital that we reflect God’s unconditional love toward one another. We’re reminded throughout scripture that love is patient, kind, and forgiving. By embodying this divine love in our marriage, we cultivate an atmosphere of kindness, understanding, and grace. We should strive to demonstrate God’s love daily, ensuring our relationship is a shining example of His goodness and mercy, allowing us to grow closer to one another and Him.
1 John 4:16
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them. – 1 John 4:16
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. – Ephesians 5:25
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
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. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:10
Forgiveness and Grace
In the journey of marriage, we inevitably encounter moments of disagreement and conflict. It’s essential that we remember to extend forgiveness and grace to one another. Just as God forgives us for our shortcomings, we, too, are called to forgive our spouses. Practicing forgiveness fosters love and strengthens our bond, creating a safe space where healing and understanding can flourish. It brings us closer together and allows God’s presence to guide us through life’s challenges.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. – Matthew 6:14-15
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. – Proverbs 10:12
Building a Spiritual Home
In our marriages, it is important for us to create a spiritual home where God is the center. This type of environment nurtures love and support, where we can grow together in faith. When we prioritize spiritual activities as a family—be it prayer or Bible study—we invite God into our home. A spiritual home cultivates joy, purpose, and unity, allowing us to thrive as a couple and, if chosen, as a family.
Joshua 24:15
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
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 3:3-4
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Unity in Marriage
Unity is an essential aspect of marriage that fosters a loving and secure environment. When we come together as partners, we are to be united in our goals, dreams, and values. God calls us not to separate ourselves in our journey but to become one in all that we do. Embracing God as our anchor strengthens us as a couple and ensures we remain steadfast in love and purpose.
Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. – Genesis 2:24
Mark 10:9
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. – Mark 10:9
Romans 12:4-5
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:4-5
Philippians 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. – Philippians 1:27
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. – 1 Peter 3:8
Final Thoughts
As we explore the significance of God being the center of our marriages, we realize the essence of building our relationship on a strong foundation created by Him. With God guiding our love and interactions, we create a united family filled with understanding, patience, forgiveness, and grace.
Striving for a marriage that reflects God’s love encourages us to strengthen our bond through prayer, unity, and spiritual growth. As we commit to these principles, we invite Him to play a central role in our relationship.
Let us continually seek and place God at the heart of our marriage, trusting that His guidance will lead us through life’s challenges. We can also take time to explore topics like fruitfulness in marriage and fulfilling God’s purpose to further strengthen our journey together.