Peace in Your Marriage

The Bible is replete with lessons that teach us the proper way to treat others and conduct ourselves in personal relationships. Among the most important of these teachings is that our associations and dealings with others should exist within the boundaries of peace. This biblical principle is general in nature and not specifically directed to the relationship between husbands and wives. However, it is certainly reasonable and appropriate to apply these admonitions to marriage, which is, after all, among the most important of all human relationships. Certainly it is God’s will for Christian marriages to exemplify the concept of peace.

The Bible uses the term “peace” in a few different ways (e.g. inner peace, peace with God). However, often when the Bible mentions peace it is in the context of a relational peace between people. This describes an association or connection characterized by harmony, tranquility and calm. It reflects not only a relative absence of conflict or strife, but also an agreement of mutual concord between individuals.

God’s Word instructs, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, ESV). Often we rightfully extol the virtues of living holy before God but neglect to give proper attention to striving for peace in our relationships with others – which seems to be of equal importance, scripturally. The Bible also declares, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:8, NIV). Clearly living at peace with others is our duty and expectation. It is something we must continually strive for and do our best to obtain and maintain.

Jesus stated, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9, KJV). We can determine from these sacred words that peace is not something that simply happens naturally or instinctively. We must “make” peace. That is, we must will it into existence and commit to the actions that result in obtaining it.

Regarding your marriage, there are many practical applications that we can glean from these, and other Bible passages…

1. Achieving and maintaining peace with your mate should be near the top of your list of marital priorities. You should consider it a part of your daily endeavor to live righteously and holy before God. It is that important.
   
   
2. Living in a peaceful existence with your partner is your duty and expectation as a Christian husband or wife. You cannot separate this pursuit from other Biblical responsibilities to your spouse including love, honor, respect/esteem, sacrifice, and so forth. Indeed, you cannot truly attain any of these if we you and your partner are not first at peace with one another.
   
   
3. An environment of peace in your marriage will not come about by accident. It is something you must continually strive for, commit to, and work purposefully to maintain even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
   
   
4. Enjoying peace in your marriage means more than merely refraining from fighting and bickering with your partner. It also includes a state of emotional safety and security under which the marriage can grow and develop.
   
   
5. Peace in your marriage is more than just a mental state. It must begin with having the proper attitude and mindset. But, it must necessarily come to fruition in your actions, behavior, and conduct.