Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 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.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
This passage reminds us that we are better when we are with our spouse-to-be. We are better when we have conversations, we are better when we laugh together, and we are better when we support one another in our goals and dreams. The passage emphasizes the truth that it is harder to break three strands it is to break one or even two.
It emphasizes the importance of helping one another when we are struggling or when we fall. To notice that your spouse has fallen you have to be paying attention to their walk. This passage that is included in our scriptures for engaged couples helps to prepare the couple that is soon to be married that you will have challenges but you will be able to endure and even thrive with someone by your side to keep you encouraged.
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The third strand is often interpreted as the presence of God helping the couple and preventing their relationship from breaking.
Blessing for Engaged Couples
1 Corinthians 13:4-13
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
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8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This is one of the most commonly used scriptures for wedding ceremonies and it offers an explanation of love. This choice for scriptures for engaged couples explains what love is and also what love is not. The consistent theme in this passage whether it is defining what love is or what love is not is that we should always aim to care for and support our loved ones, and not harm them.
The passage also speaks of perseverance or love, a characteristic that we may not think of first when it comes to love. Love perseveres with us, especially in a relationship, and even more so in marriage through every trial and challenge that we will have.
More Scriptures for Engaged Couples
Build One Another Up
Ephesians 4:29
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
It’s so easy to fall into a pattern where we get comfortable with the way we talk to and with our spouses. This passage helps us to remember that our words are powerful and can be harmful if we are not careful. But on the other hand, if we are willing to use our words to build up rather than tear down we will have a fruitful relationship with one another and with God.
This practice of building one another up will prove to be beneficial in all areas of our lives. We will be more at peace, able to give to and serve others, be better friends, and so on. For that reason, this is one of the scriptures for engaged couples that really applies to every area of our lives, especially marriage.
Encouragement for Engaged Couples
Colossians 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 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.
