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)
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, (Matthew 5:44)
In marriage, it can be easy to get caught up in conflicts and misunderstandings with our spouse. When these conflicts arise, it can be tempting to respond with anger or bitterness. We might feel justified in holding a grudge or lashing out in anger.
However, Matthew 5:44 reminds us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This can be a challenging verse to follow, especially in the context of marriage. After all, marriage is a union in which two people become one flesh. When one spouse hurts the other, it can feel like a personal attack. It can be difficult to extend grace and forgiveness in these moments.
But it is precisely in these moments that we are called to love as Christ loves us. He demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross for our sins, even though we did not deserve it. In the same way, we are called to lay down our pride and choose to love and pray for our spouse, even when they have hurt us. This does not mean that we should ignore or downplay the hurt that has been caused. Rather, it means that we choose to respond with love and grace rather than anger and bitterness.
Praying for our spouse, even when they have mistreated us or persecuted us, can be a powerful way to show love and extend grace. It allows us to bring our hurts and concerns before God and trust Him to work in our spouse’s heart. It can also help us to let go of our own anger and bitterness, and to seek reconciliation and restoration in our marriage.
So the next time you are struggling with conflicts or hurt in your marriage, remember Matthew 5:44 and choose to love and pray for your spouse. It may not be easy, but it is a powerful way to show Christ’s love and to seek healing in your marriage.
Digging deeper
Godly ways to resolve conflict – There are two sides to every conflict. One or both are at fault. One or both are hurt. It doesn’t matter. God has provided guidance for both.
What about the time Jesus got angry? – Godly anger should be focused on resolving a problem; never on destroying another person. Why are you angry?
« https://bibletruths.org/daily-marriage-devotionals?id=48 »
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.