Jesus at the Center of Your Marriage: Building a Covenant That Lasts

Tyler Everett
Jul 12
3 min read

Marriage isn’t just a relationship—it’s a covenant. And if you want your covenant to last, Jesus must be at the center of it.

Whether you’re single, engaged, newly married, or decades deep into marriage, the truth remains: the presence of Jesus transforms every aspect of a relationship. In John 2, Jesus performs His first public miracle at a wedding in Cana—but He only performed it because He was invited.

Invite Jesus Before the Crisis

"Jesus also was invited to the wedding..." (John 2:2)

Too often, couples wait until the wine runs out—when the joy dries up, communication breaks down, or trust evaporates—before they turn to Jesus. But when you invite Jesus in before the problem, you don’t have to scramble to find Him when you need Him. His presence shifts the atmosphere and sets the tone.

The Power of a Christ-Centered Marriage

Studies show that couples who attend church together are 50% more likely to stay married. But just attending isn’t enough. Like going to the gym and sitting in the lobby, showing up without engaging produces no results.

When you show up with intentionality:

You build a godly routine
You develop a shared mission
You discover healthy community
You receive accountability and godly values
You learn to worship through your struggles

Jesus said, "On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

The local church will strengthen your marriage when you stop just attending and start engaging.

Marriage Is a Spiritual Partnership

In God’s design, your spouse is more than a roommate or co-parent. They’re your helper, your ally, and your partner in purpose.

Genesis 2:18 says, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Helper doesn’t mean lesser—it means essential. In a healthy marriage, both husband and wife help each other fulfill the call of God on their lives.

Marriage isn’t just about companionship. It’s about calling. You are called to help your spouse:

Know Jesus deeper
Fulfill their purpose
Leave a legacy of faith

Marriage Reflects the Gospel

The Bible repeatedly uses marriage as a metaphor for our relationship with God. He is the groom. We are the bride.

That means your marriage isn’t just for you. It’s a testimony of the covenant between Christ and His Church.

A threefold cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

If it’s just you and your spouse, every conflict is a direct hit. But when Jesus is between you, He acts as a mediator, a counselor, and a healer. He speaks to you when you're frustrated. He convicts you before bitterness takes root. He restores what the enemy tries to destroy.

When Your Spouse Isn’t Spiritually Aligned

What if your spouse wants nothing to do with church or Jesus?

Then your calling is to live a life that invites them to embrace Christ:

Stay faithful to your walk
Don’t compromise your values
Love them with the Spirit of Christ

You will be held accountable for your obedience, not theirs. Keep Jesus at the center of your own life, and let your example stir their heart.

Practical Ways to Invite Jesus In

Want Jesus to be more than a concept in your marriage? Here are 3 practical steps:

Pray together dailyEven if it's just five minutes. Start or end your day with shared prayer.
Take communion weeklyRemember the covenant you made with God before the covenant you made with each other.
Identify each other’s callingKnow what God is asking of your spouse—and commit to helping them walk it out.