What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?

What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?

A Picture of Love, Covenant, and the Gospel

Marriage is more than a sentimental romantic relationship—it’s a sacred covenant designed by God. At Church of Grace, we believe marriage reflects something far bigger than two people and what is portrayed in movies today. It’s a picture of Christ’s love for the Church, rooted in faithfulness, grace, and selfless love. It’s love that is anything but selfish, it gives itself entirely to object loved.

So whether you're preparing for marriage, walking through the highs and lows of married life, or healing from loss or heartbreak, God’s Word speaks directly into your story. Let’s explore what Scripture says about marriage—and how it can shape the way we love, serve, and grow together.

God’s Design for Marriage

Marriage isn’t a human invention—it’s God's idea. From the very beginning, He established marriage as a union between man and woman, built on love, trust, and shared purpose. Marriage is not man’s idea or design, it is entirely a gift from God and therefore, must be according to His purpose and design in order to thrive.

Marriage Is 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

Biblical marriage is a covenant—a sacred promise before God. It’s not based on convenience or conditions but on lifelong commitment and deep unity. Contracts can easily be broken when not receiving the results desired. A contract is about benefit. A covenant is never broken and it seeks not its own benefit but rather the benefit of the other.

Marriage Reflects Christ and the Church

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
 – Ephesians 5:25

God calls husbands and wives to mirror the love, grace, and sacrifice Jesus showed to us. It’s not about perfection—it’s about pointing one another to the Perfect One. The Apostle Paul calls marriage a mystery in that it shouts, testifies to the grace and love of Jesus.

Marriage Is for Companionship and Strength

“Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
 – Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Marriage provides partnership, support, and shared joy. In the hard moments, it becomes a source of strength and resilience.

Principles for a Christ-Centered Marriage

Whether you’ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, the Bible provides timeless principles that can help any marriage flourish:

Put God First

Make Jesus the foundation of your relationship. Pray together. Worship together. Let His Word shape your decisions. We can get into trouble when we want our spouse to build our own kingdom. Our kingdoms are small and pitiful compared to working together to build the Kingdom of God.

“Seek first His kingdom... and all these things will be given to you as well.”
 – Matthew 6:33

Love Selflessly

Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. Every day, choose patience, kindness, humility, and perseverance. Love is truly willing the best for the other.

“Love is patient, love is kind... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
 – 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Speak Life

Use your words to encourage, not tear down. Healthy communication creates space for grace and healing.

“Only what is helpful for building others up…”
 – Ephesians 4:29

Practice Forgiveness

Every marriage faces challenges. But through forgiveness, God can restore what’s been broken. Be quick to ask forgiveness and be quick to forgive.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
 – Colossians 3:13

Encouragement for Every Season

God’s wisdom for marriage applies to every season of life. Whether you’re dating, married, single, widowed, or divorced—He sees you and walks with you.

For Engaged Couples

• Pray together: Invite God into your relationship.
  
  
• Seek wise counsel: Premarital counseling can build a strong foundation.
  
  
• Discuss expectations: Talk openly about your future, finances, and faith.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
 – Proverbs 16:3

For Married Couples

• Prioritize connection: Schedule time together, even in busy seasons.
  
  
• Pray for your spouse: Your prayers invite God’s peace and protection.
  
  
• Resolve conflict quickly: Don’t let wounds fester—deal with them in love.

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
 – Ephesians 4:26

For Singles

• Focus on God’s calling: Your singleness is not second-best—it’s sacred.
  
  
• Trust God’s timing: He knows your desires and your heart.
  
  
• Live with purpose: Use this season to grow, serve, and thrive in your calling. You are not “incomplete,” you are complete already in Christ.

“An unmarried person is concerned about the Lord’s affairs.”
 – 1 Corinthians 7:32

For the Widowed or Divorced

• Lean on God's comfort: He is close to the brokenhearted.
  
  
• Find healing in community: Surround yourself with people who will walk with you.
  
  
• Look forward in faith: God’s plans for your life are still full of hope.
  

“I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future.”
 – Jeremiah 29:11

When Marriage Is Hard

Every marriage faces storms—but God’s Word offers hope, healing, and a path forward.

• Seek reconciliation with humility
  
  “Go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” – Matthew 18:15
  
  
• Pray for healing
  
  “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
  
  
• Pursue godly counsel
  Christian counselors or trusted pastors can help you navigate difficult seasons with wisdom and grace.
  
  
• Let go of the past
  
  “Forget the former things... I am doing a new thing!” – Isaiah 43:18–19
  

Marriage Is a Reflection of the Gospel

At its core, marriage is not just about two people—it’s a picture of the Gospel. It reminds us that God is faithful, that love sacrifices, and that grace restores. When we pursue marriage according to God’s design, we point the world to the love of Christ.

Final Encouragement

Marriage is a gift—a holy partnership designed to reflect God’s covenant love. Whether you’re just beginning, rebuilding, or walking through grief, know this: God is with you. His Word is full of wisdom, and His grace is enough for every season.

At Church of Grace, we believe strong marriages are built on prayer, the Word, forgiveness, and faithful love. Let’s keep seeking Jesus together—and inviting Him into every part of our relationships.

Because when Jesus is at the center, love never fails.