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)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3 NASB
Now if your experience of Christ’s encouragement and love means anything to you, if you have known something of the fellowship of his Spirit, and all that it means in kindness and deep sympathy, do make my best hope for you come true! Live together in harmony, live together in love, as though you had only one mind and one spirit between you. Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity, but in humility think more of each other than you do of yourselves. None of you should think only of his own affairs, but should learn to see things from other people’s point of view. (Philippians 2:1-4 PHILLIPS)
In the New Testament, the Greek word for humility is “tapeinophrosynē,” which means “a deep sense of one’s own unworthiness.” This can be seen in Philippians 2:3, where Paul encourages the Philippians to “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” Another example of humility in the Bible can be found in James 4:6, where it states, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Humility is characterized by a modest and self-effacing attitude, and an understanding of one’s own limitations and dependence on God. It is a willingness to serve others, put the needs of others before one’s own, and be willing to take on tasks that may be considered beneath one’s own status or abilities. Humility is also characterized by being open to learning, willing to listen to others and take advice, and the ability to admit mistakes and learn from them.
On the other hand, the Greek word for pride is “phusioō,” which means “to puff up” or “to be arrogant.” An example of this can be found in 1 Corinthians 8:1, where Paul writes, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for pride is “ga’on,” which means “arrogance or haughtiness.” An example of this can be found in Proverbs 16:18, which states, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Pride is characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance, and an overestimation of one’s own abilities, which can lead to an overbearing attitude, and a feeling of entitlement, thinking that one is entitled to special treatment or privileges.
In general, the Bible presents pride as an attitude that is opposed to humility and submission to God, it puts oneself above others, it is self-centered, and it can lead to the downfall of individuals and communities. Pride can be seen as a form of idolatry, as it can make oneself to be the center of the universe, and it can prevent people from recognizing their need for God and for others.
In marriage, it is important to remember that humility is not weakness but rather a strength, it allows us to put our partner’s needs before our own and to serve and love them selflessly. While pride can make us think we are always right and can cause us to be unwilling to compromise, leading to a breakdown in the relationship.
In conclusion, humility and pride are two attitudes that can greatly affect our marriages. By choosing to practice humility, we can build a strong, loving and healthy relationship, rooted in love and selflessness. While pride can tear it down, leading to arrogance and a lack of empathy for our partner. May we strive to put these biblical principles into practice in our marriages, putting our partner’s needs above our own, and being willing to admit when we are wrong.
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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.