Marriage is one of the most important relationships in the lives of many people. Such a serious and permanent commitment, that the wedding vow phrase “until death due us part” makes many hesitant. But for those getting married and those already married, it is essential to know what is the key to a happy marriage.
Because no one wants to get married to be unhappy.
Luckily the Bible offers plenty of guidance for how to have a happy marriage.
What does Bible say about happy marriage?
In the Bible, marriage is seen as a sacred bond between a man and a woman that is meant to reflect the love and relationship between Christ and the church. Since God is love, it makes sense that all relationships between Him and His people are based on love seen in marriage.
In the study guide below, by Amazing Facts, you will find these 17 Biblical marriage keys:
- Establish your own private home.
- Continue your courtship.
- Remember that God joined you together in marriage.
- Guard your thoughts.
- Never go to bed angry with one another.
- Keep Christ in the center of your home.
- Pray together.
- Agree that divorce is not the answer.
- Keep the family circle closed tightly.
- God describes love; make it your daily goal to measure up.
- Remember that criticism and nagging destroy love.
- Do not overdo in anything; be temperate.
- Respect each other’s personal rights and privacies.
- Be clean, modest, orderly, and dutiful.
- Determine to speak softly and kindly.
- Be reasonable in money matters.
- Talk things over freely with one another.
Fundamental Principles of Love
What is love? It could be seen as a total and complete commitment to someone else, giving one’s self fully to another. Two becoming one. A partnership.
Not based on selfish leaning ideas of love, such as pleasure, desire, or passion.
Paul probably summarized it best in Galatians that “all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14). Meaning if you love someone, you wouldn’t do wrong against them.
Then in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 we get a detailed Biblical definition of what love is.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
So what are a few of these fundamental principles to a loving marriage?
Respect
One of the most important aspects of a happy marriage is mutual love and respect. Ephesians 5:33 states, “Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” This verse emphasizes the importance of both partners loving and respecting each other. Love involves selflessness and a willingness to put the needs of the other person before one’s own needs. Respect involves a deep appreciation and understanding of the value and worth of the other person.
Communication
Another key ingredient for a happy marriage is communication. Good communication is essential for building trust and understanding in a relationship. James 1:19 instructs us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This means that we should be open to hearing what our spouse has to say and be willing to listen without judgment or interruption. When we communicate in this way, we are able to build a deeper understanding of each other and resolve conflicts in a more positive way.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is also an important aspect of a happy marriage. In a relationship, there will inevitably be times when one partner makes a mistake or hurts the other in some way. However, it is important to be willing to forgive and move forward, rather than dwelling on the past. Colossians 3:13 states, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse reminds us that forgiveness is a key part of a Christ-centered relationship, and it should be a fundamental part of a happy marriage as well.
Support
Another important aspect of a happy marriage is mutual support and encouragement. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are told, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” This means that we should be there for each other in both good times and bad, and we should always be seeking ways to build each other up and support one another. This kind of mutual support and encouragement can help to strengthen the bond between partners and create a more positive and supportive environment within the marriage.
Connection
Finally, a happy marriage is often characterized by a deep spiritual connection between the partners. When both partners have a strong relationship with God, they are better able to love and serve each other, and their marriage is strengthened as a result. In Colossians 3:16, we are told, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” This means that our relationship with God should inform and impact all of our relationships, including our marriage.
But just knowing these keys from the Bible alone is not enough. Read more about how you can improve and better your marriage.
Lesson 5 Study Guide by Amazing Facts:
Do you have a happy marriage? If not, why not? Are there any Biblical marriage principles that can be applied to improve your marriage?
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Our Adventist Life is a dedicated online evangelist and mother of two, deeply rooted in her Seventh-day Adventist faith. With over 15 years of experience in creating and optimizing digital content, she brings a unique blend of professional expertise and spiritual insight to her work. Her passion lies in exploring Biblical truths and their practical applications in daily living, self-care, and family nurturing. Through her writing, she aims to inspire and guide her readers toward a more fulfilling Christian lifestyle, drawing from her own experiences as a parent and a follower of Christ. Her thoughtful and engaging content reflects her commitment to sharing the love and wisdom found in the Scriptures with a modern audience living in the end times.
Amazing Facts
“Amazing Facts [, a non-profit organization,] began in 1965 with a brilliant radio idea to attract listeners from all walks of life. Joe Crews, the ministry’s first speaker, opened each radio broadcast with an amazing fact and then followed with a related biblical message that everyone could understand. At the end of each program, he offered a free Bible lesson to encourage listeners to study God’s Word for themselves…” – Read more about Amazing Facts.