“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” – Mark 10:9
The Foundation of Marriage
As we think about marriage, we recognize it as a sacred union that God has ordained. It is more than just a partnership; it is a commitment lasting until death. The foundation of our marriage should be rooted in the love and respect for one another that we commit to nurture. We must understand that God’s intention for marriage is to reflect His love for the Church. It is essential for us to build our relationship on strong principles, so when hardships arise, we can rely on that foundation to endure together.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.” – Proverbs 18:22
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:2
Hebrews 13:4
“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
The Trials We Face
In our journey as married couples, we inevitably face trials that test our love and commitment. Hardships can come in many forms, including financial stress, communication issues, or even health challenges. We must remember that these difficulties are not signs of failure but opportunities for growth. Together, we can lean on God’s understanding and draw strength from His promises. By facing these trials with faith and unity, we allow our bond to grow deeper and stronger.
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
James 1:2-3
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” – James 1:2-3
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
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
Communication and Understanding
Creating a healthy marriage calls for open communication and mutual understanding. Each partner brings their own thoughts, feelings, and backgrounds to the table. We need to practice listening to one another actively. When difficulties arise, instead of letting grievances build, we can resolve them through loving conversations. When we work on our communication, we foster a deeper understanding that can bridge any gap, allowing us to walk together in unity despite our challenges.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29
James 1:19
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” – James 1:19
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Forgiveness and Grace
In every relationship, we are bound to hurt each other, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The ability to forgive is essential in overcoming hardships in marriage. Learning to apologize and extends grace to one another allows us to move forward and heal. By understanding the mercy we receive from God, we can reflect that grace into our own relationships, ensuring that love prevails even in times of conflict.
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
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22
The Power of Prayer
In times of hardship, one of the greatest gifts we can give to our marriage is prayer. When we pray together, we unite our hearts and invite God into our struggles. It strengthens our bond and reminds us that we cannot face life alone. Through prayer, we actively seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and direction while also bringing our concerns and fears before Him. When we commit to praying for each other, we build a strong spiritual foundation that will help us weather any storm together.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16
Matthew 18:19-20
“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:19-20
Psalm 34:17
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17
Building Together
Maturity in marriage means growing together, setting shared goals, and helping each other grow in faith and life. We should be key players in each other’s journeys. By working together to build our lives, whether it’s raising a family, embarking on new adventures, or growing spiritually, we are reinforcing the commitment we made on our wedding day. Let’s cherish our time spent building together, encouraging each other, and balancing our individual memories with our shared experiences as a couple.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow, but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Proverbs 24:3-4
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” – Proverbs 24:3-4
Philippians 2:2
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
Final Thoughts
In our marriage, we will encounter hardships that challenge our love and understanding for one another. We must rely on the strength found in God’s Word to guide us through these difficult moments. Remember, effective communication, forgiveness, and prayer should be our tools for overcoming any obstacles we face together. As we embrace each unique challenge, we grow in love—both for one another and in our bond with Christ.
Let’s continue to explore how we can strengthen our marriages by reflecting on God’s love, His grace, and the teachings of the Bible. If you have specific struggles, seek out wisdom from commands found in the scriptures; you might find insights in bible verses about forgiving a cheating husband or bible verses about forgiveness of spouse. We can grow together as we seek to deepen our understanding of these principles.
Through faith and perseverance, we can remember that marriage is a beautiful gift that God has entrusted to us, and with His help, we can cherish and uphold it. Amen!