What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God created it. Jesus redeems it. We get to live it out.
Marriage Isn’t Just a Commitment—It’s a Calling
Marriage is more than a legal agreement or a romantic partnership. It’s a sacred, God-designed covenant—a picture of Christ and the Church, woven with love, sacrifice, grace, and unity.
At Agape, we believe that every season—whether you’re single, married, divorced, or widowed—is an opportunity to walk with Jesus. Marriage is one of the ways we learn what it means to love like Him.
Let’s look at what Scripture teaches and how it can guide us—no matter where we are on the journey.
At Agape, we believe that every season—whether you’re single, married, divorced, or widowed—is an opportunity to walk with Jesus. Marriage is one of the ways we learn what it means to love like Him.
Let’s look at what Scripture teaches and how it can guide us—no matter where we are on the journey.
God’s Design for Marriage
It’s a Covenant, Not a Contract
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24
Marriage isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a sacred commitment made before God—a promise of unity, intimacy, and lifelong faithfulness.
It Reflects Christ and the Church
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25
Marriage is a living, breathing picture of the Gospel—one filled with grace, service, and mutual care.
It’s Built for Companionship
It’s Built for Companionship
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
God designed marriage as a place of shared purpose and encouragement, not just romance.
Key Biblical Principles for Marriage
1. Put God First
“Seek first His kingdom…” — Matthew 6:33
Marriage thrives when it’s rooted in prayer, Scripture, and God’s presence at the center.
2. Love Sacrificially
“Love is patient, love is kind…” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Biblical love is less about emotion and more about action. It shows up in service, patience, and choosing grace—daily.
3. Communicate with Kindness
“Speak only what is helpful for building others up…” — Ephesians 4:29
Your words can either build trust or tear it down. Speak life.
4. Forgive Often and Freely
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13
No marriage is perfect. Forgiveness is the glue that holds hearts together when life gets hard.
Guidance for Every Season of Life
Preparing for Marriage
- Pray together — Seek God’s heart for your relationship.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do...” — Proverbs 16:3
- Get counsel — Don’t go it alone.
“With many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22
- Talk about everything — From finances to family to faith.
Already Married
- Stay intentional — Keep dating your spouse.
“Come with me…” — Song of Solomon 2:10
- Pray for each other — Cover your marriage in prayer.
"Pray for each other so that you may be healed." - James 5:16
- Work through conflict — Don’t let things build.
“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” — Ephesians 4:26
Single
- Pursue Jesus first — Your value isn’t found in a relationship status.
“Be concerned about the Lord’s affairs…” — 1 Corinthians 7:32
- Practice contentment — Trust God’s timing.
“I have learned to be content…” — Philippians 4:11
- Pray with purpose — Ask God for wisdom, not just a spouse.
“If any of you lacks wisdom…” — James 1:5
Widowed or Divorced
- Let God comfort you — You are seen, known, and deeply loved.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” — Psalm 34:18
- Find support — You don’t have to walk alone.
“Carry each other’s burdens…” — Galatians 6:2
- Trust your future to Him — He still has beautiful plans ahead.
“Plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
When Marriage Is Hard
Every relationship faces struggle. But God is still in it—and He’s not finished writing your story.
Seek Peace and Reconciliation
“Go and point out their fault, just between the two of you…” — Matthew 18:15
Invite God Into the Mess
“He heals the brokenhearted…” — Psalm 147:3
Consider Counseling
There’s no shame in asking for help. A Christian counselor or pastor can offer tools for healing and rebuilding.
Start Fresh
“Forget the former things… I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:18–19
God is always in the business of restoration.
Marriage Is a Living Picture of the Gospel
Marriage is more than a social contract—it’s a spiritual calling.
When a husband and wife love sacrificially, forgive regularly, and commit fully, they preach the Gospel with their lives.
Through your marriage—or through your season of singleness—you reflect the love of a God who is faithful, forgiving, and always near.
When a husband and wife love sacrificially, forgive regularly, and commit fully, they preach the Gospel with their lives.
Through your marriage—or through your season of singleness—you reflect the love of a God who is faithful, forgiving, and always near.
Final Thoughts
So, what does the Bible say about marriage?
It says marriage is a gift.
It’s a covenant.
It’s a reflection of something bigger than ourselves.
Whether you’re preparing for marriage, walking through a tough season, or holding hope for what’s ahead, know this: God sees you. He’s with you. And His Word is your guide.
Let His truth shape your relationships, and let His love lead the way.
It says marriage is a gift.
It’s a covenant.
It’s a reflection of something bigger than ourselves.
Whether you’re preparing for marriage, walking through a tough season, or holding hope for what’s ahead, know this: God sees you. He’s with you. And His Word is your guide.
Let His truth shape your relationships, and let His love lead the way.
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