These daily marriage devotionals are compiled from verses that we have shared with Christian couples in many counseling sessions over many years. Please read one per day and meditate on how it applies to your marriage. (Note: if you are not certain you are a Christian, please read The Sinner’s Prayer)
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. (Philippians 4:2 NLT)
This verse highlights the importance of resolving conflicts within Christian relationships, which is even more important within the context of marriage.
One example from the Old Testament of resolving conflicts can be found in the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 13. In this story, there is a conflict between their herdsmen and they decide to separate, but God intervenes and teaches them to come to an agreement.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us about the importance of resolving conflicts in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:23-24, where he says “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
It is important to note that resolving conflict in a marriage is not always easy, it requires humility, active listening, speaking the truth in love, and a willingness to compromise. It also requires the guidance of the Lord and the wisdom he provides.
In this context, the Greek word used for “agree” is “sumphonéo” which means to be in harmony, to be in agreement, or to be of one mind. This means that resolving conflicts in a Christian marriage requires a unity of mind and spirit between husband and wife.
It’s also important to remember that resolving conflicts is not only a one-time act but a lifelong habit. It requires a constant effort to maintain harmony and unity in our marriage. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reminds us that love is patient, kind, and does not keep record of wrongs. It’s a habit of choosing love and forgiveness over bitterness and resentment.
In conclusion, resolving conflicts in a Godly way is an essential aspect of a healthy Christian marriage. It requires humility, wisdom, and a focus on reconciling and restoring relationships. It requires active listening, speaking the truth in love, and seeking guidance and wisdom from God through prayer. By choosing to resolve conflicts in this way, we can cultivate a deeper level of love and intimacy in our marriage.
Next steps
Here are five recommendations to help resolve conflict:
Pray for wisdom and guidance: Conflicts can often cloud our judgement, and it’s important to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in resolving them. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Listen actively and seek to understand the other person’s perspective: Proverbs 18:13 says, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” It’s important to actively listen to the other person’s perspective and try to understand where they’re coming from.
Speak the truth in love: Ephesians 4:15 says, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” It’s important to be truthful and honest in our communication, but to also do so in a loving and respectful manner.
Seek to reconcile and restore relationships: Matthew 5:23-24 says, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” It’s important to seek to reconcile and restore relationships, rather than just trying to win an argument or prove ourselves right.
Seek wise counsel: Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” It’s important to seek wise counsel from others when resolving conflicts, as they can often provide a different perspective and valuable guidance.
In conclusion, resolving conflicts in a Godly way requires humility, wisdom, and a focus on reconciling and restoring relationships. It requires active listening, speaking the truth in love, and seeking wise counsel. And above all, it requires seeking guidance and wisdom from God through prayer.
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If you miss one, two, or many days, don’t worry about it and don’t try to catch up. Just start where you are and keep going. We have found the Holy Spirit can prompt you to return to just the passage you need for today.
This is an ongoing labor of love because these marriage devotionals will never be finished, but we have to start somewhere, so we will update often. We appreciate your support and prayers because this is a work of God not us. And please forgive us because we have never found a verse that doesn’t apply to marriage somehow.
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5)
Going beyond marriage devotionals
- Leave and cleave – God gave husbands instruction to leave and cleave because they need to break ties with their birth-families to forge their marriages
- The perspective of a successful marriage – If this perspective can lead to an incredible Olympic victory, imagine what it can do for your marriage. It’s almost a miracle!
- Biblical relationship checkup – This Biblical relationship checkup helps couples find where they are on God’s map of a successful marriage and find direction for improvement
- Help for hurting marriages – When I am weak, then I am strong. Help for hurting marriages is found in the wisdom of these Bible scriptures. Apply them as often as needed.
- Tying the Knot: A Premarital Guide to a Strong and Lasting Marriage by Rob Green – Field-tested and recommended by multiple counselors in a thriving counseling practice, Tying the Knot has already guided many couples into a stronger and more joyful union. Let this nine-week pre-marriage study reorient your life and marriage around Christ, so you both will experience all the blessings of marriage as God designed it.
- Love Life for Every Married Couple: How to Fall in Love, Stay in Love, Rekindle Your Love by Ed Wheat – This is a favorite classic book because it has stood the test of time. Physician Ed Wheat has helped thousands of couples improve their love lives and build happier marriages. In Love Life for Every Married Couple, he’ll help you improve your marriage through sharing, touching, appreciating, and focusing healing attention on your mate.