These daily marriage devotionals are compiled from verses that we have shared with Christian couples in many counseling sessions over many years. Please read one per day and meditate on how it applies to your marriage. (Note: if you are not certain you are a Christian, please read The Sinner’s Prayer)
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. (James 3:9 NIV
As we come together to read and reflect on God’s word, let us focus on James 3:9-10 which says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
These verses remind us of the importance of guarding our words, and how they can either bring blessings or curses into the lives of others. In the context of our marriage, it is crucial that we be mindful of the words we speak to one another.
Do we use our words to uplift and encourage our spouse, or do we let negative and hurtful words slip out and damage our relationship?
Let us strive to be like our Lord and Father, who speaks words of love, grace, and truth. May our words towards one another be filled with kindness and respect, and may we use them to build each other up, rather than tearing each other down.
As we seek to follow this guidance from James, let us pray that God will help us to use our words to bless one another and strengthen our marriage. Amen.
Study
- What is the significance of the tongue being able to both praise and curse?
- How does James 3:10 suggest that we should use our words?
- What does it mean for human beings to be made in God’s likeness?
- In what ways can our words bring blessings or curses into our marriage?
- How can we strive to use our words to build up our spouse, rather than tearing them down?
Digging deeper
Stop saying these 4 phrases because communication is fragile – Communication is fragile and precious, it should be treated with care and respect. The following phrases will damage it, so avoid them as much as possible.
Stop doing these things (they will destroy the joy of your salvation) – Stop doing these things. They will not help you grow in grace and knowledge. They will destroy the joy of your salvation.
10 Ways Prayers are Hindered (#5 is Shocking) – Examples of how prayers are hindered when you don’t love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and you don’t love your neighbor as yourself
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If you miss one, two, or many days, don’t worry about it and don’t try to catch up. Just start where you are and keep going. We have found the Holy Spirit can prompt you to return to just the passage you need for today.
This is an ongoing labor of love because these marriage devotionals will never be finished, but we have to start somewhere, so we will update often. We appreciate your support and prayers because this is a work of God not us. And please forgive us because we have never found a verse that doesn’t apply to marriage somehow.
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5)
Going beyond marriage devotionals
- Leave and cleave – God gave husbands instruction to leave and cleave because they need to break ties with their birth-families to forge their marriages
- The perspective of a successful marriage – If this perspective can lead to an incredible Olympic victory, imagine what it can do for your marriage. It’s almost a miracle!
- Biblical relationship checkup – This Biblical relationship checkup helps couples find where they are on God’s map of a successful marriage and find direction for improvement
- Help for hurting marriages – When I am weak, then I am strong. Help for hurting marriages is found in the wisdom of these Bible scriptures. Apply them as often as needed.
- Tying the Knot: A Premarital Guide to a Strong and Lasting Marriage by Rob Green – Field-tested and recommended by multiple counselors in a thriving counseling practice, Tying the Knot has already guided many couples into a stronger and more joyful union. Let this nine-week pre-marriage study reorient your life and marriage around Christ, so you both will experience all the blessings of marriage as God designed it.
- Love Life for Every Married Couple: How to Fall in Love, Stay in Love, Rekindle Your Love by Ed Wheat – This is a favorite classic book because it has stood the test of time. Physician Ed Wheat has helped thousands of couples improve their love lives and build happier marriages. In Love Life for Every Married Couple, he’ll help you improve your marriage through sharing, touching, appreciating, and focusing healing attention on your mate.