Marriage is the foundation for the Christian family. Husband and wife and by God’s grace blessed with children. Whether you hope to marry one day or are already married it’s good to go to the Bible and learn about marriage.

1. Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Marriage is mentioned already in creation. Whether you are already married or not, here are Bible verses to guide you to what the Bible says about marriage.

2. 1 Corinthians 7:2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

There are many kinds of temptations in the world. To be married is to give our love and loyalty to our husband or wife.

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

In a Christian marriage the husband is to love his wife as Christ loved us. This is to love even when it’s not deserved, unconditionally.

4. Colossians 3:18-19 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Love between husband and wife includes for the husband to be gentle and giving himself up for his wife, and for the wife to submit to and respect her husband.

5. Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.

Loyalty and trust are fundamental in all relationships. In marriage that means to forsake all others and not have any other intimate relationships.

6. Matthew 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Jesus taught us that it’s not only the act of adultery that is breaking the commandment, but even lustful thoughts.

7. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Although this verse speaks of the love between all Christians, it also applies to husband and wife. Forgive each other and be kind.

As we commemorate Workers’ Day, we explore the Bible and learn from its characters who show us how to work hard, stay dedicated, and keep going even when things are tough.

Consider Joseph, whose story in Genesis records his journey from a lowly servant to a position of great influence in Egypt. Despite facing betrayal, false accusations, and years of imprisonment, Joseph remained strong in his faith and diligence. His undying commitment to his work, even in the face of bad situations, led to his promotion and the preservation of many lives during a time of famine. (Genesis 37 – 41)

Then there’s Ruth, a woman of remarkable loyalty and perseverance. Despite her status as a foreigner and widow, Ruth tirelessly worked in the fields to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Through her diligent labor and unwavering faithfulness, Ruth caught the attention of Boaz, who later became her husband. Her story reminds us that no act of labor, no matter how small, goes unnoticed by the One who sees and rewards our efforts. (Ruth 2 -8)

Let’s not forget about Nehemiah, whose passion for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem serves as a testament to the transformative power of vision, determination, and teamwork. Despite facing opposition and tough challenges, Nehemiah organised the people to work tirelessly, each contributing their skills and resources to accomplish a task in record time. His leadership and unwavering faith in God’s provision inspire us to pursue our work with purpose and unity. (Nehemia 2 – 4)

And of course, we cannot overlook the example of Jesus Christ himself, who, during his earthly ministry, demonstrated humility, servanthood, and sacrificial love. Whether he was healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or teaching the crowds, Jesus embodied the essence of true labor, selflessly serving others for the glory of God. (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)

As you reflect on Workers’ Day, may you draw inspiration from these biblical characters and their examples of dedication, resilience, and service. May their stories ignite a renewed passion for your work, knowing that your labor, when done with excellence and integrity, has the power to impact lives, glorify God, and usher in positive change in our world. Happy Workers’ Day!