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)
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (Romans 12:14)
When we are wronged by our spouse, it can be tempting to want to get even. We might feel justified in holding a grudge or lashing out in anger. However, Romans 12:14 reminds us to bless those who persecute us, rather than curse them.
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 right to get even and instead bless our spouse. 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.
Here are five practical ways to bless those who persecute us in our marriage relationships:
Pray for them: Pray for your spouse’s well-being, for God to reveal His truth and love to them, and for their growth in righteousness.
Speak kindly to them: Choose to speak words of kindness and respect, even if your spouse does not treat you in the same way.
Show grace and forgiveness: Forgive your spouse for their mistakes and choose to show grace in your interactions with them.
Serve them: Look for ways to serve and show love to your spouse, even if they do not deserve it.
Seek to understand: Try to understand your spouse’s perspective and seek to reconcile any conflicts or misunderstandings in a God-honoring way.
These can be a difficult things to do, but they are essential for the health and well-being of our marriage. When we choose to bless rather than curse, we open the door for healing and restoration. We also model Christ-like love to our spouse and to the world around us.
So the next time you are tempted to hold a grudge or get even with your spouse, remember Romans 12:14 and choose to bless rather than curse. It may not be easy, but it is worth it for the sake of your marriage and for the glory of God.
Next steps
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.
7 Characteristics of a Real, Genuine, Sincere Apology – A real apology comes from a humble heart that is truly sorry and repentant. But nothing is worse than a faint apology, a false apology, or a non-apology.
10 Ways Prayers are Hindered – 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.