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)
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:10 WEB
In this verse, the Greek word for “godly sorrow” is “lupē,” which carries the connotation of a deep emotional pain and regret that leads to repentance and a change in behavior. In contrast, the word for “worldly sorrow” is “penthos,” which is a shallow, fleeting remorse that ultimately leads to spiritual death.
In marriage, it is important to remember that true repentance and change can only come from a heart of “godly sorrow.” This means that when we hurt our spouse, we must take responsibility for our actions and apologize with a genuine remorse that leads to a change in behavior.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9
Here, the Greek word for “confess” is “homologeō,” which means to acknowledge or admit the truth. In the context of marriage, this means being honest and transparent about our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions. It also means asking for forgiveness from our spouse and from God.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32
The Greek word for “forgiving” in this verse is “charizomai,” which means to show grace or to freely forgive without holding a grudge. In marriage, this means not only apologizing for our mistakes but also extending forgiveness to our spouse when they apologize to us.
In conclusion, true repentance and change in a marriage can only come from a heart of “godly sorrow.” This means acknowledging and taking responsibility for our mistakes, confessing them to our spouse and to God, and extending forgiveness to our spouse as Christ has forgiven us.
Next steps
- 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.
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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.