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)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
In this verse, the Greek word for “fear” is “phobos,” which refers to a fear of punishment or judgment. In marriage, fear can manifest in many ways such as fear of rejection, fear of failure, or fear of losing control.
But Godly love, the love described in 1 John 4:11, is the perfect love that drives out fear. When we love as God loves, we are filled with his perfect love and there is no room for fear.
In the Old Testament, we see the example of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new place, even though he was old and Sarah was barren. Abraham had faith in God’s promise, and did not fear the unknown. He trusted in God’s love and followed Him.
In the New Testament, we see the example of Peter in the book of John. Peter had denied Jesus three times, but Jesus forgave him and restored their relationship. Jesus said to Peter, “feed my sheep,” showing him that even when we make the biggest mistakes, Jesus’ love and forgiveness is always available to us.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18
In this verse, the Greek word for “perfect” is “teleios,” which means mature, complete or fully grown. God’s love is complete and perfect, and when we abide in it, it drives out all fear. In the context of marriage, this means that when we trust in God’s love for us and for our spouse, we can let go of our fears and trust in His plans for our relationship.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7
In this verse, Paul reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. When we trust in God’s love, we can have power over our fears and be self-disciplined in our love for our spouse.
In conclusion, fear has no place in a godly love, the kind of love described in 1 John 4:11. God’s love is perfect and drives out fear. The Bible gives us examples of how trusting in God’s love can overcome fear, in the Old and New Testament. When we trust in God’s love and follow his will, we can let go of our fears and have a loving and fulfilling marriage.
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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.