8 Bible Verses to Save Your Marriage
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthew 19:6). This Bible passage reveals God's desire for peace and unity in marriage. Yet, hurtful words or actions can make a thriving marriage seem impossible. Remember: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Don’t hesitate to invite God to help you overcome marital struggles. His Word shows how to rebuild a strong relationship. Here are 8 Bible verses with divine wisdom to restore marital harmony.
8 Biblical Teachings to Resolve Marital Problems
Prioritize Your Spouse’s Needs
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:3-4)
Forgive Fully, Release Bitterness
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:26)
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Choose Words Wisely
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
Leave Past Attachments
"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)
Love as Yourself
"Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." (Ephesians 5:28)
Keep Romance Alive
"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love." (Proverbs 5:18-19)
Give Yourself Fully
"My beloved is mine, and I am his; he browses among the lilies." (Song of Songs 2:16)
How to Pray for Your Marriage?
No matter the crisis, God is present. Prayer heals wounds, calms anger, and restores broken bonds. During trials, ask the Lord for help!
Regular prayer for your marriage nurtures respect, love, and unity. Keep "irrigating" your relationship through prayer to strengthen it daily.
You may also entrust your pains and hopes to powerful intercessors like or .
Other Questions About Couples in Crisis
Who can we pray to for the healing of our relationship?
When lifting up our prayers to the Lord for couples who are hurting or going through trials, we can turn to:
Saint Rita, who herself endured many trials in her married life.
Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who experienced the challenges and demands of balancing family life and professional responsibilities.
Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.
How can a couple stay strong during trials?
In times of hardship—whether it's unemployment, grief, illness, infertility, or addiction—it’s common to feel alone. And yet, what affects one partner inevitably affects the other. Paradoxically, even shared suffering doesn’t always resonate the same way for both individuals.
That’s why it’s crucial to maintain open communication during such times. Learn to express your pain and to receive your partner’s pain—even if it doesn’t look like your own. Spirituality can bring real comfort and strength. Attending Mass together, praying as a couple, or going on a retreat can give your relationship space to breathe and heal.
However, not all couples share the same spiritual journey. In that case, praying for your partner alone is already a profound act of love—one that God will surely honor.
How can we forgive?
Married life isn’t free from conflict. We love each other, and yet we hurt each other. Forgiving and learning to forgive is essential for restoring harmony in a relationship. But forgiveness is likely one of the hardest things to truly live out. Thankfully, we have a merciful God who helps us and shows us the way.
To forgive is to:
Acknowledge that you’ve been hurt and express that pain.
Accept your anger, and then your sadness.
Open yourself to the grace of forgiveness—by asking God for the strength to forgive. (“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13, NIV)
Forgive yourself.
Welcome the suffering of the one who has offended you, whether they are aware of it or not.
Let go of any desire for revenge, justification, or restitution.
