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)
This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. (James 3:15)
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. (James 3:14-16 WEB
As we all know, marriage is a sacred bond that requires patience, love, and understanding. However, as we navigate through the challenges of marriage, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using “earthly, unspiritual, devilish” wisdom, as James 3:15 describes it.
The Greek word for “earthly” in this verse is “epigeios” which means, “pertaining to the earth, as opposed to heaven or the spiritual realm.”
The Greek word for “unspiritual” in this verse is “psychikos” which means, “of or belonging to the soul, natural, unregenerate.”
The Greek word for “devilish” in this verse is “daimonios” which means, “demonic, devilish, wicked.”
This type of wisdom is not from God, but from the devil, and it can lead to destruction in our marriages. It may manifest in the form of selfishness, pride, anger, and lack of forgiveness. It can cause us to lose sight of the love, sacrifice, and commitment that we promised to each other in our marriage vows.
Instead, we must strive to possess wisdom that comes from above, as James 3:17 states. This wisdom is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” It is a wisdom that is guided by the principles of love, humility, and selflessness.
Supporting verses include:
Colossians 3:12-14 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Let us always remember that our marriages are a reflection of our relationship with God. May we seek wisdom from above and reject the earthly, unspiritual, and devilish wisdom that can harm our marriages.
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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.