10 Biblical Marriage Goals to Strive For: Building a Christ-Centered Union
Author: Vanessa Rooney
Vanessa is an Australian LDS lifestyle blogger. Landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the sun kissed beaches of Bondi, Australia, Vanessa is a wife and mother of three children.
Marriage is a sacred bond, designed by God to bring joy, growth, and unity to His children. The scriptures provide guidance and inspiration for making marriage not only fulfilling but also spiritually enriching. For Latter-day Saints and Christians, striving for biblical marriage goals strengthens the bond between spouses and aligns their union with God’s eternal plan.
This article explores ten biblical marriage goals that can help couples create a Christ-centered relationship filled with love, trust, and divine purpose.
Goal #1. Make Christ the Center of Your Marriage
Key Scripture: Matthew 7:24-25
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”
A Christ-centered marriage is built on a firm foundation. By inviting Jesus Christ into your marriage, you create a union rooted in faith, love, and eternal purpose. This goal involves praying together, studying scripture as a couple, and aligning your decisions with gospel principles.
Practical Tips:
- Begin and end each day with a couple’s prayer.
- Hold regular family scripture study sessions.
- Attend church and temple services together.
Goal #2. Love and Serve Each Other Selflessly
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
Selfless love, often described as charity in the scriptures, is essential for a thriving marriage. Loving your spouse selflessly means prioritizing their needs, offering acts of service, and showing kindness even during challenging times.
Practical Tips:
- Perform small acts of service, like making your spouse’s favorite meal or leaving an encouraging note.
- Express gratitude daily for your spouse’s efforts and qualities.
- Reflect on how your love aligns with the attributes of charity.
Goal #3. Communicate With Love and Patience
Key Scripture: Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Open and loving communication is the lifeblood of a healthy marriage. Striving for gentle, honest, and patient conversations ensures understanding and strengthens your bond. Avoid harsh words or assumptions, and seek to truly listen to your spouse.
Practical Tips:
- Use “I feel” statements instead of placing blame during conflicts.
- Practice active listening by paraphrasing your spouse’s words to ensure understanding.
- Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your goals, concerns, and joys.
Goal #4. Forgive Freely and Extend Grace
Key Scripture: Colossians 3:13
“Forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Marriage is a journey of two imperfect people striving to become better together. Forgiveness is a vital goal that allows couples to move past mistakes and misunderstandings. By extending grace, you create an environment where love and trust can flourish.
Practical Tips:
- Pray for a forgiving heart and seek Christ’s example in your relationships.
- Address issues promptly instead of letting resentment build.
- Regularly discuss and resolve small grievances to prevent larger conflicts.
Goal #5. Strengthen Your Spiritual Growth Together
Key Scripture: Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Spiritual growth as a couple fosters unity and helps you align your marriage with God’s will. Prioritize activities that strengthen your faith, such as attending temple worship, studying scriptures, and participating in family home evenings.
Practical Tips:
- Create a shared spiritual goal, like reading the Book of Mormon together.
- Take turns leading discussions during family gospel study.
- Attend temple worship regularly to renew your covenants.
Goal #6. Embrace Your Divine Roles
Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-25
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
Biblical teachings emphasize distinct but complementary roles for husbands and wives. LDS teachings reinforce the idea of equal partnership, where spouses work together to fulfill their divine responsibilities. Striving for this balance creates harmony in your marriage.
Practical Tips:
- Respect and honor each other’s strengths and contributions.
- Work together as a team to make decisions, whether spiritual, financial, or family-related.
- Support each other in fulfilling individual and shared responsibilities.
Goal #7. Foster Unity and Oneness
Key Scripture: Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Marriage is about becoming “one” in purpose, goals, and love. Unity doesn’t mean losing individuality but harmonizing your differences to create a stronger whole. Strive to align your goals, values, and actions with God’s plan for your family.
Practical Tips:
- Regularly discuss shared goals for your family and marriage.
- Develop traditions that strengthen your family bond, like weekly date nights or service projects.
- Pray together for unity and guidance.
Goal #8. Build an Eternal Perspective
Key Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 132:19
“And if ye abide in my covenant… it shall be of full force when they are out of the world.”
For LDS couples, marriage is not just for mortality but for eternity. Keeping an eternal perspective helps you navigate trials and challenges with faith and hope. Striving for this goal motivates you to prioritize your relationship and align it with God’s plan.
Practical Tips:
- Reflect on your temple sealing and its eternal significance.
- Regularly attend the temple to renew your focus on eternal goals.
- Discuss how your daily actions contribute to your eternal journey together.
Goal #9. Create a Christ-Centered Home
Key Scripture: Joshua 24:15
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
A Christ-centered home is a refuge from the challenges of the world. It is a place where gospel principles are taught, love abounds, and the Spirit resides. Strive to make your home a sanctuary of peace and spiritual growth.
Practical Tips:
- Hold regular family home evenings to teach gospel principles.
- Display uplifting artwork or scriptures in your home.
- Set aside time for family prayer and devotionals.
Goal #10. Persevere Through Trials Together
Key Scripture: Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
Every marriage faces trials, whether financial struggles, health challenges, or personal differences. A biblical marriage goal is to face these trials together, trusting in God’s plan and using them as opportunities for growth.
Practical Tips:
- See challenges as a chance to grow closer to each other and to God.
- Support one another with compassion and patience during difficult times.
- Remember that God’s plan includes trials to strengthen your faith and marriage.
Conclusion: Striving for Biblical Marriage Goals
Marriage is not a destination but a journey of growth, love, and learning. By striving for these ten biblical marriage goals, you can strengthen your relationship with your spouse and align your marriage with God’s eternal plan. Whether it’s building a Christ-centered foundation, fostering unity, or embracing forgiveness, these goals provide a roadmap for a joyful and fulfilling marriage.
As Latter-day Saints, the eternal perspective of marriage adds even greater significance to these principles. By focusing on biblical goals, you can create a relationship that thrives in mortality and continues into eternity.
Reflect on your marriage today. Which of these goals resonates most with you? By setting small, intentional steps, you can begin to build a marriage that reflects God’s love and fulfills His divine purpose.