are you dating, engaged or married? Have you been looking for resources to help you grow more in your relationship? Perhaps looking for good Christian books on relationships?
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Today, I want us to look at the following twenty-five books on Christian relationships. the list is in no particular order. but it includes some of the most popular books, as well as some newer and lesser-known options.
You are reading: Christian books for couples to read together
love & respect
One of the most popular relationship books recommended for couples is Emerson Eggerich’s book “Love & Respect”.
The book is based on Ephesians 5:22-33. focuses on the biblical concept that men need respect and women need love.
is especially good for those in marriages with traditional roles. but it can also be beneficial for couples who simply need a boost to grow. “love & respect” is a great conversation starter on the topic of what you and your partner need.
However, some readers say it’s not necessarily useful for those in abusive relationships where professional help is needed.
the 5 love languages
This book by Gary Chapman is extremely popular. Many people find it useful for all of their relationships, not just marriages or dating. the premise is that there are five ways people give and receive love. each person has their own “love language”.
In addition to the main book, there are other editions. these include editions for parents of children and teens, as well as military spouses.
sacred marriage
gary thomas is well known for his thoughtful and biblically based books. sacred marriage is no exception. Sacred Matrimony is not the typical self-help book that is common among relationship books.
Instead, it delves into what marriage is all about while addressing the issues many married couples face. more than some, deals with the spiritual aspect of marriage. is a great book to read alone or with a partner.
the meaning of marriage
written by timothy keller with his wife kathy keller, this book discusses the biblical view of marriage. discusses how to love god more deeply in the context of marrying him.
also addresses practical ideas on how to have a successful marriage. Regardless of your marital status, this book is a wonderful resource.
preparation for marriage
marriage preparation, which is by dennis rainey, is often used for premarital counseling. but it’s a great book to read for couples looking to prepare for marriage or even newlyweds.
In the style of a workbook, it contains questions for self-reflection and discussion.
Also related: the 19 best devotions for dating couples.
boundaries in marriage
“boundaries in marriage” is from dr. henry cloud she also wrote “boundaries: when to say yes, how to say no to take control of your life”.
This book applies similar ideas to marriage. It’s especially good for couples who want to learn how to set healthy boundaries together. But “marriage boundaries” may not fix an abusive relationship where setting boundaries could make things worse. other editions are available for dating couples and parents.
his needs, her needs
one of the classic christian relationship books on marriage by william f. Harley, Jr. is based on the idea that men and women have 10 vital needs. each person has a unique classification of needs. is a great resource for couples at every stage.
however, couples will need to exercise discernment on how to apply the principles to their specific context.
things I wish I had known before we got married
In this book, Gary Chapman builds on the concepts of his book “The 5 Love Languages”. but, “things she wishes she had known delve into the common areas of conflict in a marriage.”
Topics covered include finances, sex, family relationships, household duties, resolving disagreements, and more. ideal for couples at any stage of their relationship.
times together for couples
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this daily devotional book is written by dennis & barbara rainey. It’s designed to help couples spend time with God and each other.
They are great conversation starters while also providing thought-provoking scripture passages. devotional topics include a wide range of concepts related to marriage and relationships, including parenting.
reconnected: going from roommates to soulmates in marriage
this new book by dr. greg smalley and his wife erin is for couples who are growing apart. They teach practical ways to reconnect with your spouse when the hustle and bustle of life causes you to disconnect.
In addition, they analyze the role of social networks in the separation of couples. one of the best christian relationship books for couples today!
9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And The Truths That Will Save It And Set It Free
robert paul and greg smalley are well known for their expertise in building healthy marriages.
In this book, they address the lies that can end a marriage. includes self-assessments so you and your partner can determine which ones may be present in your relationship. It’s helpful for marriages at any stage, including those in trouble.
When Sinners Say “I Do”: Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage
In this book, Dave Harvey addresses the sinfulness of our own hearts as the greatest enemy of our marriages. Harvey offers a biblical foundation for what marriage is and how God works within our marriages.
It also includes useful and practical tips. the range of topics includes arguments, forgiveness, sex, aging spouses, death, and more. ideal for couples who are preparing for marriage, as well as those who have been married for a long time.
Also related: The 12 best prayer journals for women.
Sacred Marriage Devotions: A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples
This book by Gary Thomas was created to be used weekly. this is unique from other devotional books that are often daily readings.
“Sacred Marriage Devotions” provides biblical information as well as discussion questions. it’s great as a companion to the “holy matrimony” book or on its own. What better idea than reading Christian devotional books on relationships!
Preparing for Marriage: A Practical Roadmap for Your Journey Together
Next on our list of Christian relationship books is “preparing for marriage.” This book is perfect for couples who are thinking of getting married or who are engaged. Preparing for Marriage is written by Jim Burns and Doug Fields, who are seasoned veterans of ministry and marriage.
The book provides exercises and talking points to help readers understand the reality of what marriage is like. it’s for younger couples or those who haven’t been together for a long time. but it can also be useful for others.
love & war: find your way to something beautiful in your marriage
john and staci eldredge are known for their authentic writing, humility, and honesty about their own struggles and sins. and this book is no different.
In it, they focus on the reality that we are in a spiritual battle. they also point to the fact that couples must fight each other instead of fighting each other. this book is easy to read. however, it covers a lot of ground regarding the challenges that arise in marriage.
Mixing Souls: God’s Design for Love, Sex, Marriage, and Redemption
In Soul Blending, Matt Chandler and Jared Wilson describe the process of courtship and marriage. Using the song of songs as a framework, they relate it to today’s relationships.
This book is also open about the reality that marriage is hard work and can involve very low valleys. But it doesn’t rule out hope, keeping the focus on God’s design and plan for redemption.
Before You Say “I Do”: A Marriage Preparation Guide for Couples
this book by h norman wright and wes roberts is interactive. provides discussion questions to spark conversations about expectations and previous experiences. is rooted in scripture and covers a variety of practical advice and analysis.
The book highlights the impact your experience can have on your approach to finances, education, faith, and more. In addition to these topics, it also opens up the opportunity to discuss short-term and long-term goals for your relationship.
ready or knotted? 12 conversations every couple should have before marriage
In this book, Scott Kedersha writes about building a marriage on the foundation of Jesus Christ and the word. presents thoughtful questions to ask individually and together.
“Ready or Knotted” is one of the most helpful Christian relationship books, whether you’re dating or engaged. It can also be a refresher for married couples!
See Also: 10 Books To Read Before Bed For A Good Night’s Sleep
Also related: the 15 best study bibles of 2020.
preparation for marriage: help for Christian couples
john piper is a prolific writer on many topics, including living your life for the glory of god and missions. In this book, he delves into God’s role in his marriage, his beliefs, and other spiritual aspects.
piper also talks about practical things like wedding planning, finances and sex. While it is designed for couples who are dating or engaged, some topics may be relevant to other situations as well.
my beloved, my friend: the song of songs for couples
a unique devotional that travels through the song of songs, this devotional by brent d. christianson contains meditations on the themes found in the song.
Also, each section contains practical things for couples to talk about and put into practice. wonderful for any couple looking to dig deeper into the biblical perspective on dating, love, and marriage.
The 10 best decisions a couple can make: getting the best out of their relationship
“The Ten Best Decisions” uses 1 Corinthians 13 as an outline. In it, Bill and Pam Farrell point out ten decisions they believe are vital for couples.
The book covers topics such as communication, sex, romance, fair fighting, personalities, and connecting with God. this book is useful for both newlyweds and those who have been married for a while.
a couple after God’s own heart: building together a loving and lasting marriage
In this bible-based book, jim and elizabeth george introduce couples in the bible from a new perspective. Its purpose is to teach today’s couples what a couple after God’s heart looks like.
Included in the topics are ways of communicating as well as decision making. another cool feature is that each chapter contains bulleted summaries
of the lessons learned.
The marriage knot: 7 choices that keep couples together
ron and jody zappia’s marriage was in crisis. Through God’s intervention, they eventually learned the principles necessary for a healthy marriage. these principles form the basis of this book.
they talk about conflict resolution, sex, communication, and many other common topics in relationships. a discussion guide for a couple or small group is also included.
Whatever Happened to Happily Ever After?: Correcting the 10 Mistakes Most Couples Make
In this book, David E. Clarke focuses on the 10 mistakes couples make that kill intimacy in their relationships.
also talks about how to fix them. covers topics ranging from communication and romance to boredom in marriage and spiritual bonds.
“what happened to happily ever after?” it is wonderful for couples who are dating. It’s also great for those who have been married, but whose marriage lacks the intimacy they used to have.
the emotionally healthy marriage: getting closer by understanding each other
A popular concept in the world of relationships and self-help books is that of developing emotional intelligence.
in his book on emotionally healthy marriages, dr. david and dr. Jan Stoop helps couples learn about each other’s emotions, developing responsibility and empathy, among other aspects of emotional intelligence.
conclusion
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the issues of relationships and marriage. some delve into the biblical basis for marriage and others offer more practical tips and advice. still others try to merge the two.
what are your thoughts? Which of these books do you think you’ll add to your list of books to read? Have you read any of the books mentioned here? Are there any books on Christian relationships, marriage, or dating that you would add to the list?
Share your thoughts and experiences!