Bible verses for marriage

The foundation

• Genesis 2:24 — 'A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.'
• Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 — 'A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.'
• Mark 10:9 — 'What God has joined together, let no one separate.'
• Malachi 2:14 — 'She is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.'

How to love

• 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 — 'Love is patient, love is kind… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.'
• Ephesians 5:25 — 'Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church.'
• Ephesians 5:33 — 'Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.'
• Colossians 3:14 — 'Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.'
• 1 Peter 4:8 — 'Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.'

Communication and conflict

• Ephesians 4:26 — 'Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.'
• James 1:19 — 'Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.'
• Ephesians 4:32 — 'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.'
• Proverbs 15:1 — 'A gentle answer turns away wrath.'
• Colossians 3:13 — 'Bear with each other and forgive one another.'

Faithfulness and perseverance

• Hebrews 13:4 — 'Marriage should be honored by all.'
• Proverbs 5:18–19 — 'May you rejoice in the wife of your youth.'
• Song of Songs 8:6 — 'Place me like a seal over your heart… for love is as strong as death.'
• Ruth 1:16 — 'Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.'

A short prayer to pray together tonight

'Father, you joined us together. Keep us soft toward each other, quick to listen, quick to forgive. Where we are tired, give us strength. Where we are at odds, give us patience. Make this marriage a picture of your faithfulness.'