Introduction

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. It is designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). However, due to the fallen nature of humanity, trouble in marriage is a reality that many couples face. The Bible provides guidance and wisdom for addressing and overcoming these challenges.

Biblical Causes of Trouble in Marriage

1. Sin and Selfishness: At the heart of many marital issues is sin, which manifests as selfishness, pride, and a lack of love. James 4:1-2 states, "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight."

2. Communication Breakdown: Effective communication is vital for a healthy marriage. Proverbs 18:13 warns, "He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him." Misunderstandings and lack of communication can lead to significant marital strife.

3. Unforgiveness: Holding onto past grievances can poison a marriage. Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."

4. Infidelity: Adultery is a grave sin that can devastate a marriage. Exodus 20:14 commands, "You shall not commit adultery." The breach of trust caused by infidelity requires significant effort and divine intervention to heal.

5. Unequal Yoking: Marrying someone who does not share the same faith can lead to spiritual and practical discord. 2 Corinthians 6:14 advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?"

Biblical Solutions for Trouble in Marriage

1. Prayer and Seeking God: Couples are encouraged to seek God together in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

2. Love and Respect: Ephesians 5:33 instructs, "Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Love and respect are foundational to resolving marital issues.

3. Counsel and Accountability: Seeking wise counsel from mature believers or a pastor can provide guidance and accountability. Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance."

4. Commitment to Reconciliation: Couples are called to pursue reconciliation and peace. Matthew 5:23-24 encourages, "Therefore 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. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

5. Embracing Forgiveness: Forgiveness is essential for healing and moving forward. Colossians 3:13 exhorts, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Conclusion

While trouble in marriage is a common experience, the Bible offers timeless wisdom and principles for overcoming these challenges. By relying on God's guidance, practicing love and forgiveness, and seeking wise counsel, couples can navigate difficulties and strengthen their marital bond.1 Peter 3:1
Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
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1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
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Malachi 2:16
For the LORD, the God of Israel, said that he hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment, said the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously.
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Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
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1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.
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Matthew 5:32
But I say to you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.
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Daniel in Trouble.
... CHAPTER ELEVEN. DANIEL IN TROUBLE. ... My father had no money; and as the marriage
ceremonies and feasts are always expensive, I knew not what to do. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter eleven daniel in trouble.htm

Marriage and Celibacy.
... but I spare you." That is, I will spare you this trouble, in recommending a ... words
he attributes no intrinsic merit or dignity to either celibacy or marriage. ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiv marriage and celibacy.htm

On Marriage.
... Epicurus agrees, and those who place good in pleasure, and in the absence of trouble
and pain. According to the opinion of the Stoics, marriage and the rearing ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii on marriage.htm

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... For this reason I would have you avoid the conclusion that marriage is indispensable ...
However, the remark of the apostle, "such shall have trouble in the flesh ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

St. Ambrose Explains that He is not Speaking against Marriage...
... "He who giveth his virgin in marriage doeth well, and he ... She conceives, and her
fruitfulness brings her trouble before offspring. She brings forth and is ill. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi st ambrose explains.htm

Marriage of the Emperor Valentinian with Eudoxia the Daughter of ...
... the frontiers of both empires, where it would be desirable that the marriage should
be ... a message to the effect that he would not give him the trouble of coming ...
/.../chapter xliv marriage of the emperor.htm

The Doctrine of Paul Concerning virginity Explained.
... Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you." Having given
his ... about to advise him who wished it to give his virgin in marriage, so that ...
/.../chapter xiii the doctrine of paul.htm

Hebrews xii. 13-Nov
... Marriage is pure: it does not however also give holiness, except by forbidding the ...
the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxx hebrews xii 13-nov.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 3-Jan
... For since whilst he is yet young desires trouble him, for the time before marriage,
by admonitions, threats, fears, promises, and numberless other methods ...
/.../homily v 1 thessalonians iv.htm

It is Very Desirable that Parents Should Encourage the Desire for ...
... What are you doing, my kinsfolk? Why do you still trouble my mind with seeking marriage?
I have long since provided for that. Do you offer me a bridegroom? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xii it is very.htm

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