It is a normal thing in marriage to experience those ups and downs. The difficult times can sometimes be frightening, especially if communication is breaking down, and intimacy feels strained. Here are some Bible verses that will help you in your marriage, both in good times and bad.
On Fighting Fair
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger … (Ephesians 4:26).
See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all (I Thessalonians 5:15).
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth (I Corinthians 13:4-6).
On the Power of Patience and Forgiveness
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ (Ephesians 4:32).
On Resisting Temptations
No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers (Hebrews 13: 4).
On Trusting God in Difficult Times
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord. Plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Adapted from the Portuguese.
And today we celebrate...