“Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3
Bible Verses About A Struggling Marriage
Understanding Love in Marriage
Love is at the core of any marriage, and understanding what it means to love one another can transform our relationships. The Bible offers us a formula for love, highlighting that genuine love is selfless, patient, and kind. In our daily lives, we often face trials that test our commitment. By grounding ourselves in Scripture, we can find encouragement to nurture and deepen our love amidst our struggles. Recognizing that love is not just a feeling but an action allows us to work together to restore and rebuild our relationship. We can draw from the wellspring of God’s love, letting it flow into our marriages, even when times get tough. This is a beautiful reminder that love requires effort and choice, especially in difficult moments.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.” – Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Communication in Marriage
Clear communication has a pivotal role in nurturing a healthy relationship. When we face difficulties in our marriage, the first thing we might overlook is how we talk and listen to one another. God calls us to express our feelings, frustrations, and joys openly. By fostering honest communication, we can address misunderstandings and build a stronger bond. It’s essential to remember that communication is a two-way street—it requires us to be both speakers and listeners. This mutual effort can dispel confusion, reduce anxiety, and restore intimacy. Therefore, we should be intentional about engaging each other in meaningful conversations, fostering a safe space where we can both be heard and understood.
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 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Forgiveness in Marriage
Forgiveness is vital in any partnership, especially during challenging times. We must understand that no one is perfect; we all make mistakes and sometimes hurt one another unintentionally. The ability to forgive each other frees us from the burden of resentment and allows love to flourish again. Scripture guides us in practicing forgiveness, reminding us of the grace we’ve received and calling us to reflect that grace in our marriages. When we forgive, we create a pathway for healing, allowing trust and connection to be restored. It takes humility and sincerity to apologize and to forgive, but doing so reinforces our commitment to each other, proving that love can overcome even the toughest of obstacles.
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
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
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
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
God’s Role in Marriage
When we navigate the ups and downs of marriage, we are reminded that God should be at the center of our lives. Inviting Him into our union creates a backbone of strength and guidance. His love and wisdom can help us through trials, providing comfort and hope. Establishing a relationship with God not only enhances our love for Him but also enriches our love for each other. When we seek God’s guidance, we are often led to make decisions that uplift our marriage. By turning to prayer, Scripture, and community, we can develop our faith while growing closer to one another on this journey together.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
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
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Matthew 19:6
Psalms 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.” – Psalms 127:1
Strengthening Commitment
Nurturing our commitment to one another often requires us to actively choose to stay together, especially when situations become challenging. We must remind ourselves that marriage is a lifelong covenant before God. As we face difficulties, we should focus on perseverance and dedication, reminding ourselves of the promises we made. Choosing daily to prioritize our relationship reinforces our bond and helps us weather any storm. Scripture encourages us to hold tightly to our commitment, as it serves as a reminder that our love is worth fighting for. Let us approach every challenge with an unwavering spirit, knowing that our devotion to each other is a covenant blessed by God.
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
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel, and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,” says the Lord Almighty. “So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be unfaithful.” – Malachi 2:16
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Philippians 1:9-10
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” – Philippians 1:9-10
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Seeking Help
During tough times, recognizing the need for help is essential. Seeking godly counsel, whether from a pastor, mentor, or trusted friend, can provide clarity and support. The Bible encourages us to bear one another’s burdens, allowing us to share our struggles and drawing us nearer together. Sometimes talking about our issues gives us a fresh perspective and makes us feel less alone. Allowing others into our struggles can enhance our marriage, reminding us of the community of believers that God has placed in our lives for our growth. Together, we can lean on the wisdom of those who have faced similar challenges and learn from their experiences.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
1 Corinthians 12:26
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Final Thoughts
Going through tough times in a marriage can bring a lot of challenges, but we can find hope and strength through the Bible. By focusing on love, communication, forgiveness, and God’s guidance, we can work together to strengthen our commitment. Remembering God’s role in our marriage, seeking help, and nurturing our relationships are all crucial steps in overcoming obstacles. We must surround ourselves with support, either through prayer or counsel, as we navigate these difficult passages. Let’s take these reflections to heart as we strive to cultivate the love and respect that God calls us to have in our marriages.
As we explore further, there are other topics that can bring inspiration and growth, such as [hope in Isaiah](https://bibleoutlined.com/isaiah-54-6/) or love within Ephesians 5:22-25. I encourage you to dive into these valuable lessons that can guide us on our journey.