Genesis 2:24: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

Genesis 2:24 lays down one of the most fundamental principles of marriage—unity. In this verse, the concept of "one flesh" signifies a profound partnership that transcends physical union to encapsulate spiritual and emotional bonding. When a couple enters into the covenant of marriage, they are called to leave behind their former familial ties to form a new, indivisible unit. This teaches us that marriage is not merely a contractual arrangement but a sacred fusion ordained by God, requiring a complete commitment to one another.

Ephesians 5:22-33: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, people have never hated their own bodies, but they feed and care for them, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. 'For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Ephesians 5:22-33 expands upon the idea of unity introduced in Genesis 2:24, framing it within the paradigm of Christ and the Church. The Apostle Paul details the reciprocal roles of husbands and wives by emphasizing mutual submission and love. Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands as a symbol of their respect and love, mirroring the Church's submission to Christ. However, this call to submission is not one-sided or oppressive; it is balanced by an equally demanding call for husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her.

This sacrificial love means that husbands are to prioritize their wives' well-being, nurturing and caring for them as they would their own bodies. Such an approach fosters an environment where both partners feel valued and respected. This passage teaches that mutual respect and sacrificial love are foundational to a Godly marriage, reflecting the divine relationship between Christ and His Church. By striving to emulate these principles, couples create a marriage that honors God and enriches both partners spiritually and emotionally.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, the Apostle Paul eloquently outlines what true, godly love looks like. These verses are often read at weddings because they encapsulate the essence of a love that is enduring and selfless—a love that mirrors Christ's love for humanity. For a marriage to thrive according to God's design, this kind of love should be the cornerstone. This passage teaches that love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to act with patience, kindness, and forgiveness.

The phrase "keeps no record of wrongs" is particularly vital in a marriage, where forgiveness and grace are indispensable. Holding onto past mistakes can breed resentment and erode trust, but godly love offers a fresh start and a willingness to rebuild. Likewise, the attributes of being "not self-seeking" and "not easily angered" emphasize the importance of selflessness and emotional regulation, helping couples navigate conflicts constructively.

Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to a high standard of sacrificial love. Just as Christ gave Himself up for the Church, husbands are called to love their wives with a self-sacrificing devotion. This verse encapsulates the principle of agape love—a love that is unconditional and all-encompassing. A husband's love for his wife should be characterized by a willingness to put her needs above his own, seeking her well-being and spiritual growth.

This level of sacrificial love is a profound reflection of Christ's sacrificial love for us. It is a reminder that true love involves giving and serving without expecting anything in return. In a practical sense, this could mean supporting your spouse through difficult times, actively listening to their concerns, and making decisions that benefit the marriage as a whole.

Combined, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Ephesians 5:25 provide a comprehensive guide on how to cultivate love and respect within a marriage. By striving to embody these biblical principles, couples can foster a relationship that is not only enduring but also deeply fulfilling, reflecting the divine love taught in Scripture. These passages remind us that genuine love and respect are the bedrocks of a Godly marriage, principles that lead to a union that honors both each other and God.

Ruth 1:16-17: "But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'"

In Ruth 1:16-17, we witness an extraordinary declaration of commitment and loyalty. Ruth's words, spoken to her mother-in-law Naomi, have often been cited in wedding ceremonies to illustrate the depth of devotion that spouses should have for one another. Ruth's pledge to Naomi goes beyond familial duty and exemplifies the kind of unwavering loyalty and sacrifice that can enrich a marriage. This passage teaches us that a Godly marriage involves a profound commitment to stand by one another through all life's circumstances. Much like Ruth’s vow, married couples are called to form a bond so deep and enduring that nothing, not even death, can sever it.

Proverbs 3:3-4: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

Proverbs 3:3-4 underscores two essential qualities for a successful marriage: love and faithfulness. These virtues are not to be treated as transient emotions but as enduring markers of one's character, to be worn and kept close at all times, like an adornment around your neck or inscribed on one’s heart. In the realm of marriage, this scripture challenges couples to cultivate a deep-rooted commitment and loyalty through persistent love and unwavering faithfulness. Such attributes are not just beneficial for personal happiness but also gain favor in the eyes of God and make a good impression on others, thus strengthening the marital relationship.

Combined, Ruth 1:16-17 and Proverbs 3:3-4 provide a profound guide on the importance of commitment and loyalty in marriage. Ruth’s fearless devotion to Naomi is a beautiful portrayal of the steadfastness that should characterize a marital bond, while Proverbs accentuates the daily integration of love and faithfulness as foundational qualities. Together, these verses remind us that a marriage built on unwavering commitment and loyalty is not just a union of convenience but a sacred covenant reflective of God’s enduring love for us. By embodying these principles, couples can fortify their relationship, creating a bedrock of trust and unwavering support.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

The passage from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 beautifully underscores the importance of unity and partnership within a marriage. The phrase "two are better than one" encapsulates the essence of marital collaboration. In the context of marriage, this teaches us that a united front is not only advantageous but essential for withstanding life's challenges and maximizing blessings.

First, the scripture emphasizes mutual support—"If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." One of marriage’s great strengths is the ability to uplift and support one another during times of difficulty. This unifying strength ensures that the burden of life's trials is shared, making them more manageable. The sense of "pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up" stresses the value of having a dependable partner by your side, someone you can count on to offer a helping hand when needed.

Next, the passage discusses the practical benefits of togetherness: "If two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" This metaphor eloquently illustrates the physical and emotional warmth shared between partners. Beyond the physical acts, the warmth also symbolizes emotional intimacy and the comfort found in companionship.

The scripture goes on to highlight the aspect of defense and protection: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves." This underlines the idea that together, couples are stronger and more resilient against external adversities. The unity and solidarity in marriage offer a fortified defense against the challenges of life, providing both partners with a greater sense of security.

Finally, the verse concludes with a profound statement: "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This is often interpreted to include God as the third strand in the marriage, symbolizing that a marriage is strongest when it includes a spiritual and divine element. By incorporating God, couples create a tri-fold bond that is steadfast and enduring. This principle urges couples to invite God's presence into their marriage, ensuring that their union is not just based on mutual attraction or common interests, but also on a shared spiritual foundation.

In summary, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 provides a compelling blueprint for the unity and partnership intrinsic to a Godly marriage. It highlights the importance of mutual support, shared warmth, and collective strength, with the ultimate reinforcement being a spiritual connection with God. By embracing these principles, couples can foster a harmonious and fortified marriage that not only stands the test of time but also glorifies God.

Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26, often known as the Aaronic Blessing, is a profound prayer of blessing that can be invoked upon a marriage. This passage speaks to the earnest desire for God’s favor and protection. By asking the Lord to "bless you and keep you," it emphasizes the importance of divine guardianship over a marital union. The wish for the Lord's face to "shine on you" signifies a plea for divine grace and favor to envelop the marriage, offering a light that guides and sustains the couple through all circumstances. The closing desire for peace reflects an aspiration for a harmonious and tranquil relationship, one that embodies the serenity only God can provide.

Colossians 3:12-17: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:12-17 offers a roadmap for couples striving to cultivate a Godly marriage. The passage starts by urging believers to clothe themselves in virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—traits that are indispensable in a marriage. These virtues pave the way for a loving and respectful relationship where each partner is considerate and forgiving, following the example of Christ's forgiveness. Through this mutual patience and forgiveness, couples can navigate conflicts and misunderstandings more gracefully.

The next part of the passage emphasizes the supremacy of love: "put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Love is depicted as the binding force that holds all virtues together, creating a cohesive and harmonious relationship. Moreover, the instruction to "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" speaks to the necessity of maintaining inner tranquility, which extends to the external relationship between husband and wife. This kind of peace fosters an environment where gratitude and mutual appreciation can flourish.

Importantly, the passage also highlights the spiritual aspect of a marital relationship by encouraging couples to let "the message of Christ dwell among you richly." This can be achieved through shared spiritual practices such as worship, prayer, and studying the Bible together. Such spiritual bonding strengthens the marital relationship by creating a foundation rooted in shared faith and divine wisdom.

Ultimately, Colossians 3:12-17 concludes with a powerful reminder to do everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." This instruction stresses the importance of viewing marriage as a divine institution where every word and action should be governed by Christ’s teachings. By adhering to these principles, couples not only enrich their relationship but also honor God, weaving their marital journey into a tapestry of divine grace and love.

As we bring this study on Bible verses for getting married to a close, it is imperative to remember that a Godly marriage is more than vows spoken on a wedding day—it's a lifelong commitment grounded in the principles we’ve explored. The richness of biblical wisdom offers a multitude of insights that can fortify your union, ensuring it remains resilient and flourishing.

The passages from Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:22-33 reminded us of the foundational principle of unity and the roles and responsibilities that reflect Christ's relationship with the Church. In loving and respecting each other as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Ephesians 5:25, we find a model for daily actions that nurture the marital bond.

Ruth 1:16-17 and Proverbs 3:3-4 showed us the significance of unwavering commitment and loyalty, while Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlighted the power of unity and partnership. Each of these elements contributes to a robust and God-honoring relationship.

Finally, the blessings captured in Numbers 6:24-26 and the practical virtues described in Colossians 3:12-17 offer a framework for continual spiritual and emotional health within your marriage. These scriptures call us to mutual care, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace, creating an atmosphere where love can truly flourish.

In adhering to these biblical principles, you build a marriage that not only stands the test of time but also serves as a testament to God's love and grace. It underscores the belief that a marriage is not just between two individuals but a sacred covenant including God, who is the third strand that strengthens the bond. As you walk this journey, let these verses be your guide, your solace, and your inspiration to cultivate a marriage that glorifies God and enriches both your lives profoundly.