An honorable Institution that is to be desired. “marriage is honorable among all.” Hebrews 13:4 “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Genesis 2:18

Responsibilities do not hinge on the action of the other spouse. “wives, submit to your own husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:22 “husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.” Ephesians 5:25

Marriage is a partnership. “heirs together of the grace of life.” 1 Peter 3:7 “there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:8

The wife submits to the will of her husband. “wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord…Just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:22 See also 1 Peter 3:1-6

The husband leads in physical and spiritual matters. “for the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:23-24

Each spouse looks out for the needs of the other first. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies and as Christ loved the church. “love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Ephesians 5:25 “ought to love their own wives as their own bodies.” Ephesians 5:28

Fulfillment of sexual desires only in marriage. “marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled.” Hebrews 13:4 “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time…that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self- control.” 1 Corinthians 7:5

Husbands and wives speak to each other in an edifying way. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29 “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” James 1:19

Problems should be solved quickly and anger abated. “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27

Both spouses are willing to admit wrong and ask for forgiveness. “Confess your trespasses to one another.” James 5:16 “If he sins against you seven times in a day and seven times in a day returns to you, saying ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

Each spouse respects and gives honor to each other. “let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 “dwell with the with understanding, giving honor to the wife.” 1 Peter 3:7

An absence of stubbornness and pride. “by pride comes nothing but strife.” Proverbs 13:10 “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18 “stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Samuel 15:23