Bible and Broken Marriages
If you were married in a church or by a Christian pastor, you probably heard the words, “What God has put together, let no man put asunder” at your wedding. This phrase comes from Matthew 19:6 and informs us that when a man and woman enter into a marriage, they are no longer two, but one flesh. This verse also tells us that once God has joined these two together, no one can separate them. But what happens if your marriage is in trouble or even on the brink of divorce? You might not feel as if you are one with you spouse. The Bible offers hope. Here are some Bible scriptures to save a broken marriage.
Forgiveness
One key element to a happy marriage is forgiveness. God has provided a way of forgiveness for us, through Jesus Christ. We should likewise forgive others. It is especially important to forgive a spouse you feel has wronged you..
Colossians 3:13-14 – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Mathew 6:14-15 – “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Luke 6:37 – “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”
Luke 17:3 – “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”
Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Humility
Our pride can sometimes ruin our lives, and most certainly can ruin a relationship. Thinking of ourselves as better than our spouse is not only a sin, but can be detrimental to the marriage. How we treat others, in our lives and particularly in our personal relationships, should always be framed with love and charity.
James 4:6 – “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Corinthians 16:14 – “Let all your things be done with charity.”
Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Ephesians 4:2 – “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
Open Communication
Marriage is based on open and honest communication. It is important for Christians to keep each other accountable, and this is also true in marriage. If we fail and fall, we should be open to confess our transgressions to one another. Additionally, when we do communicate with our spouse, it is important to be kind, loving and respectful. Speak honestly and without harsh words. How you speak to your spouse is almost as important as what you say.
James 5:16 – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James 3:1 – “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”
Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Ephesians 4:25 – “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
Colossians 3:8 – “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Respect Your Spouse
From an early age, most people are taught to respect their elders and those in authority of them, but are we taught to respect our spouse? It’s important to honor your spouse and treat them with respect. Even if your marriage is in shambles or you don’t feel emotionally connected, it is important to show respect to your partner. Mutual respect will open the door for reconciliation and will help prevent future strife and division.
Ephesians 5:33 – “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Matthew 7:12 – “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Romans 12:10 – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
1 Peter 2:17 – “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”
Luke 6:31 – “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Show Gratitude
Even though you might not love what your present life looks like, it is important to praise and thank God for your circumstances. And even you do not have a lot of warm feelings about your spouse, it is important to show gratitude to God for that person and to show gratitude toward your spouse.
Psalm 136:1 – “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Colossians 4:2 – “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Try to implement regular Bible study and prayer time into your daily life. Spending quality time with God on your own and as a couple can bring peace, healing and restoration to your marriage. Scriptures are powerful and when put into practice can change lives. Prayerful consideration of the these Scriptures and other verses can change your thought patterns, your relationship and your life.
