14-day Bible Devotional for Couples: Week 1
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Day 1: The Foundation of Love
Scripture
Corinthians 13:4-7: “4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Action
Reflect on the qualities of love outlined in this passage. Discuss how you can embody patience, kindness, and selflessness in your relationship.
Prayer
Lord, help us to love each other with the selfless, patient love described in Your Word. Teach us to be kind and to seek the best for one another. Amen.
Personal Story
Jim and Anne once shared how memorizing 1 Corinthians 13 together transformed their arguments. Early in their marriage, they often found themselves reacting in anger and frustration during disagreements. But after committing to memorize and meditate on this passage, they began pausing during arguments to reflect on whether their words and actions aligned with the principles of love: patience, kindness, and selflessness.
Instead of lashing out, they started asking themselves, “Am I being patient? Am I showing kindness?” Over time, this practice softened their hearts and brought a new level of understanding and compassion to their relationship. They credited the Word of God with helping them resolve conflicts with love and grace.
Questions
- How do you show kindness to your spouse daily?
- Which qualities of love in this passage do you find hardest to practice?
Challenge
Write down one way you will demonstrate selfless love to your spouse this week.
Day 2: Serving One Another
Scripture
Philippians 2:3-4: “3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Action
Explore how humility and selflessness can strengthen your marriage. Consider ways to prioritize your partner’s needs and support their goals.
Prayer
Lord, help us to serve one another with humility. Let us look not only to our own interests but also to the needs of our spouse. Amen.
Personal Story
Brendan shared how his wife’s small act of making his favorite breakfast every morning reminded him of her love and selflessness. Each morning, as he sat down to eat, he felt a renewed sense of gratitude for her thoughtfulness.
This simple gesture not only showed her care but also inspired him to find small ways to reciprocate her love. Over time, these daily acts of kindness became a cornerstone of their relationship, fostering a deeper connection and mutual appreciation.
Questions
- What is one way your spouse has served you this week?
- How can you better support their goals?
Challenge
Perform a small, unexpected act of service for your spouse today.
Day 3: Forgiveness and Grace
Scripture
Ephesians 4:32: “32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Action
Talk about times when forgiveness has been necessary in your relationship. Share how God’s grace can help you extend forgiveness to one another.
Prayer
Lord, give us the grace to forgive each other as You have forgiven us. Help us to let go of bitterness and embrace Your peace. Amen.
Personal Story
Lauren and Jeff recalled how counseling and prayer helped them rebuild trust after a season of conflict. Their disagreements had escalated to the point where they felt distant and disconnected.
Seeking help, they began attending counseling sessions where they learned to communicate more effectively and understand each other’s needs. Alongside counseling, they prayed together daily, asking God for healing and unity. Over time, they saw their relationship transform. Trust was rebuilt, and their love deepened as they experienced God’s restorative power.
Questions
- Is there an unresolved issue where forgiveness is needed?
- How has God’s grace helped you forgive in the past?
Challenge
Write your spouse a letter expressing forgiveness or gratitude.
Day 4: Walking in Unity
Scripture
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: “9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Action
Discuss the importance of teamwork and partnership in your marriage. Reflect on how you can support each other spiritually, emotionally, and practically.
Prayer
Lord, bind us together with cords of love and unity. Help us to lift each other up and work together in harmony. Amen.
Personal Story
April shares how praying together daily strengthened their unity during a financial struggle. Facing mounting bills and uncertain income, the couple decided to commit their fears and hopes to God through prayer.
Each morning, they held hands and asked for God’s provision and wisdom. This shared time brought them closer, reminding them that they were a team relying on God’s grace. In time, not only did they see God meet their financial needs, but their bond deepened through the practice of trusting Him together.
Questions
- How can you better support each other’s spiritual growth?
- What area of your marriage needs greater teamwork?
Challenge
Identify one goal you can work on together as a couple this month.
Day 5: Commitment Through Trials
Scripture
Romans 8:28: “28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Action
Reflect on God’s promise to work all things for good. Share how you can support each other through challenges and trust God’s plan for your marriage.
Prayer
Lord, remind us that You are working all things for our good. Help us to trust You in every trial we face. Amen.
Personal Story
Meg and Jason recounted how they found hope during infertility by clinging to God’s promises. The journey was filled with heartache and uncertainty, but they chose to lean into Scripture, holding onto verses like Romans 8:28.
They prayed together daily, asking God for strength and guidance. While their prayers for a child were eventually answered, they testified that the true blessing was the deeper faith and unshakable bond they developed through trusting God’s timing.
Questions
- How have trials strengthened your relationship?
- How can you encourage each other to trust God?
Challenge
Share a Scripture that has brought you comfort in difficult times.
Day 6: Building a God-Centered Marriage
Scripture
Matthew 7:24-27: “24 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: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
Action
Talk about ways to build your marriage on the solid foundation of Christ. Discuss practical steps to prioritize God’s Word and prayer in your relationship.
Prayer
Lord, be the foundation of our marriage. Help us to build our lives on Your truth and promises. Amen.
Personal Story
Chloe and David described how scheduling weekly Bible study transformed their communication. Initially, their conversations were often limited to daily logistics or surface-level topics. However, setting aside dedicated time each week to study God’s Word together gave them a shared focus and deeper conversations.
They began discussing spiritual truths, their personal struggles, and how Scripture applied to their lives. This practice not only strengthened their connection with God but also with each other, fostering greater understanding and unity in their marriage.
Questions
- What habits can help you grow closer to God as a couple?
- How do you prioritize prayer together?
Challenge
Commit to a weekly devotional or Bible study as a couple.
Day 7: Encouraging Each Other
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
Action
Discuss how encouragement and affirmation can strengthen your bond. Share ways to speak life into each other’s dreams and challenges.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to encourage one another and build each other up. Let our words bring life and strength to our marriage. Amen.
Personal Story
James shared how his wife’s consistent encouragement gave him the confidence to pursue a career change. For years, he hesitated to leave his stable job for a role that aligned with his passion, fearing failure and uncertainty.
His wife’s unwavering belief in his abilities, combined with her affirming words, gave him the courage to take the leap. She reminded him regularly of his God-given talents and supported him through the transition. Looking back, he credited her encouragement as a pivotal factor in his success and growth.
Questions
- How do you encourage your spouse’s strengths?
- What words of affirmation can you share today?
Challenge
Write a note of encouragement for your spouse and leave it somewhere they’ll find it.
Ready to start week 2? Click this link to get started!