Marriage is beautiful but it is not easy. At one point or another every married couple searches for marriage advice. You can find advice anywhere you turn but the best Christian marriage advice comes from the one who created marriage – God! He knows how it works. And God loves to shower His wisdom on those who seek it.
When you follow God’s design for marriage it makes a huge difference. In this post we will take a look at 5 verses from the Bible and how you can apply them in your own marriage to make it even better!
This post is all about Christian marriage advice.
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Marriage Tips for the Christian Couple
1. Be patient
“Bear with each other”
Colossians 3:13a
This is my favorite Christian marriage advice from the Bible. It’s simple (but not easy) and so needed in every single marriage.
Bear with one another!
Marriage is a one-flesh union of two completely different human beings. Although you may be extremely compatible (which is why you may find yourself together now), you have many differences. And those differences will be felt the more you are together. When you face them head-on you must bear with one another!
What does bearing with one another mean? Simply to be patient. Hear each other out, put yourself in your spouse’s shoes, and try to understand them. Be patient with them. Extend grace. One quality almost every human being struggles with. If you are patient with each other your marriage suddenly becomes better.
2. Forgive easily
“Forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.”
Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness in marriage is essential.
As Christians, we are called to forgive just as Jesus Christ has forgiven us. We are also called to this same forgiveness in marriage.
If you have been married just for a short amount of time you probably have noticed that you already have had plenty of space to grow in forgiveness. Marriage is an intimate relationship, and in the most intimate relationships, people hurt each other. Whether it is intentional or unintentional, it is going to happen. It is a reality of life.
Unforgiveness in marriage is very dangerous and can be detrimental if it is not dealt with. In some cases, it can lead to divorce. Make a habit of keeping short accounts. Don’t go to bed angry or give the silent treatment. Talk about offenses. Ask for forgiveness and forgive. Don’t keep a list of wrongs but instead choose to forget, just as God has done for you.
3. Imitate the example of Jesus Christ and the Church
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”
Ephesians 5: 22-24, 32
When you realize that God created marriage to be a physical picture of the spiritual relationship between Christ and the Church it changes everything. Marriage is not about you but about God. It is about pointing people’s eyes to a greater truth. It is meant to be a teaching point for all people.
Every marriage is a reflection of this mystery. However, not every marriage reflects it accurately. There are some cases that reflect it terribly. Unfaithfulness, disunity, discord, and a critical spirit all do not represent the relationship between Jesus and His bride.
Unconditional love, patience, humility, unity, respect, and submission are just some things that reflect this beautiful union. Pursue these things in your Christian marriage. Work together to reflect this spiritual relationship.
Since our dating days, my husband and I have been in awe of the beautiful mystery of how marriage reflects Christ and the church. Since the day we got married, we have sought to create a marriage that is a reflection of that spiritual truth. Although we do it imperfectly, it is what truly makes our marriage a piece of heaven on earth.
Want to learn more about this beautiful mystery? Check out This Momentary Marriage by John Piper.
4. Have sexual intimacy often
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
Sex is not everything in marriage but it is a very big part of marriage. A marriage with little to no sex is an unhealthy marriage (considering there are no particular circumstances that hinder the couple from having sex). God created sexual intimacy to unite two people in a way that nothing else can.
Sexual intimacy binds, unifies, encourages, relaxes, enhances, and grows a marriage. Marriage has different seasons and it takes hard work to keep sex as a priority. But it is a must for a strong marriage! Plan it, make it fun, get creative, and speak about it often.
If you have children, set apart times to be alone together and go on a date. So many people have the tendency to focus on the kids and forget that the family was started because of their sexual intimacy!
5. Be united in mind, flesh, and spirit
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind.
Philippians 2:1-2
Marriage is about oneness in all aspects of life. It is so important to have the same mind in everything you do. This does not mean that there are never any disagreements. It means that when there are disagreements, you speak about them and come to an agreement together. One spouse may need to compromise. One spouse may need to submit. But whatever you do, you stay united.
Spend time together, share your feelings with one another, encourage one another, and stay friends. Pray together about everything, and have some time to talk every day.
When you are a unified front you understand that you are both on the same team, you are never enemies. Your children will see it and feel safe. Those around you will see it and see a strong marriage.
Wrap Up
Dealing with the opposite sex can be challenging at times and it can get even more complicated when you marry them. Although marriage can have its ups and downs it is truly one of the sweetest relationships on this side of heaven.
Strong Christian marriages are needed now more than ever before. May you always look to the Word of God for Christian marriage advice.
It’s the best marriage advice you’ll ever find!
This post was all about the best Christian marriage advice.
Being a good spouse starts with being a good Christian. Read more about growing your faith in this post: 5 STEPS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A WOMAN OF FAITH
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