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)
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all. (1 Thessalonians 5:15 WEB
In 1 Thessalonians 5:15, the apostle Paul writes, “See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good both for each other and for all.” This verse encourages us to do good to others, even when they may have wronged us. Let’s examine this verse and its Greek meaning in the context of a Christian marriage.
The Greek phrase used in this verse, "μηδεις ποιειτω κακον τω αντικειμενω,” literally means “let no one do evil to the neighbor.” This reminds us of our obligation to love our neighbor as ourselves and to treat them with kindness and compassion, even in difficult circumstances.
In a long-term committed relationship like marriage, our closest and nearest neighbor is obviously our spouse. Therefore these verses apply to our relationship with our spouse more than anybody.
In a Christian marriage, this means that we should not seek to repay evil with evil, but instead, seek to do good to one another. This can be seen in many examples throughout the Bible, such as the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Despite the fact that his brothers sold him into slavery, Joseph chose to forgive them and do good to them, showing them kindness and provision (Genesis 45:4-15).
Another example can be seen in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This is a radical call to do good to those who may have wronged us, rather than seeking to repay evil with evil.
In conclusion, 1 Thessalonians 5:15 reminds us of the importance of doing good to one another instead of returning evil for evil. By embracing this attitude in our marriage, we can demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ to each other and to those around us. May we always seek what is good for each other and for all, and may our love for one another be a reflection of the love that God has shown us in Christ.
Next steps
12 words guaranteed to save your marriage – These 12 words are guaranteed save your marriage: I love you, I was wrong, it’s my fault, I am sorry. Start using them today!
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.
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.
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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.