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)
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; (James 1:19 WEB)
James gave good advice to beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. This is written to saved people who are trying to live godly lives. Therefore, we need to pay attention.
We all know that we have two eyes and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we talk. But I think it’s even more than that. Only one of our five senses is talking. So, we should only talk one-fifth of the time.
Regardless of the exact numbers, we should listen much more than we talk because there is sin and transgression in the abundance of words (Proverbs 10:19).
If the ratio of talking to hearing is large, then the ratio of hearing to anger should be huge. And that anger should never be for revenge or retaliation because God will repay (Romans 12:19) Instead, it should motivate us and give us the strength to do God’s will.
But sometimes, discussions, disagreements, and arguments are required. Not often! If you have chosen to “die on this hill” more than a few times, you have probably done more damage than you can imagine. (Proverbs 18:21) If you cannot restrain your words and maintain a calm spirit, you don’t have real knowledge or true understanding. (Proverbs 17:27)
But above all else, we need to understand our anger doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. Think about that. And be careful how you answer. Which is more important: your anger or the righteousness of God?
Please ask the LORD to take away your angry heart and give you a heart that is controlled by the peace of God. And apologize to those you have hurt by admitting what you have done and acknowledging the damage you have done and taking steps to keep from repeating this terrible sin.
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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.