24 best scriptures to save marriage

God’s Design for Marriage

Genesis 2:24

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Reflection: This foundational verse establishes the divine design for marriage as a union between a man and a woman, symbolizing a deep, inseparable bond.

Matthew 19:4-6

“He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.'”

Reflection: Jesus reaffirms the Genesis account, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage as ordained by God.

Ephesians 5:31-32

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

Reflection: Paul highlights the spiritual significance of marriage, comparing it to the relationship between Christ and the Church, thus elevating its sacredness.

Love and Commitment

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Reflection: This passage defines the qualities of true love, which are essential for a healthy and enduring marriage.

Colossians 3:14

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Reflection: Love is the glue that holds a marriage together, fostering unity and harmony between spouses.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.”

Reflection: This poetic passage celebrates the intense and unquenchable nature of marital love, likening it to a divine flame.

Roles and Responsibilities

Ephesians 5:22-25

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Reflection: This passage outlines the complementary roles of husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual respect and sacrificial love.

1 Peter 3:7

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Reflection: Husbands are called to treat their wives with understanding and honor, recognizing their equal partnership in God’s grace.

Proverbs 31:10-12

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”

Reflection: This passage praises the virtues of a godly wife, highlighting her value and the trust she inspires in her husband.

Faithfulness and Purity

Hebrews 13:4

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Reflection: This verse underscores the importance of marital fidelity and purity, warning against sexual immorality.

Proverbs 5:18-19

“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”

Reflection: This passage encourages husbands to find joy and satisfaction in their wives, celebrating the physical and emotional intimacy of marriage.

1 Corinthians 7:2-3

“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.”

Reflection: Paul advises married couples to fulfill each other’s sexual needs, thereby protecting their marriage from temptation.

Unity and Partnership

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Reflection: This passage highlights the strength and support found in partnership, emphasizing the importance of unity in marriage.

Genesis 2:18

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'”

Reflection: God recognizes the need for companionship and creates a suitable partner for Adam, establishing the foundation for marriage.

Mark 10:9

“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Reflection: Jesus emphasizes the divine origin and indissolubility of marriage, warning against separation.

Blessings and Joy

Psalm 128:3-4

“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.”

Reflection: This passage celebrates the blessings of a godly family, highlighting the joy and prosperity that come from fearing the Lord.

Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

Reflection: Finding a spouse is portrayed as a divine blessing, a source of favor and goodness from God.

Ruth 1:16-17

“But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.'”

Reflection: Ruth’s commitment to Naomi reflects the deep loyalty and devotion that should characterize marital relationships.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Reflection: Forgiveness is essential in marriage, mirroring the forgiveness we receive from God and fostering reconciliation and peace.

Ephesians 4:2-3

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Reflection: Humility, gentleness, and patience are crucial for maintaining unity and peace in marriage.

Matthew 18:21-22

“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”

Reflection: Jesus teaches the importance of limitless forgiveness, a principle that is vital for the health and longevity of a marriage.

Prayer and Spiritual Growth

1 Peter 3:7

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Reflection: This verse emphasizes the spiritual partnership in marriage, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and understanding for effective prayer.

James 5:16

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Reflection: Confession and prayer are powerful tools for healing and strengthening the marital bond.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection: Prayer is essential for maintaining peace and unity in marriage, allowing couples to bring their concerns to God and experience His peace.