Healthy families are the foundation of our society but the family unit is crumbling at an astonishing rate, and with it,  our society. Broken families are no longer the exception. Divorce rates are soaring, deeply impacting the children who are tomorrow’s adults.

(I’m not pointing fingers here; I’ve been counted among the statistics. It’s because I personally know the impact of broken families that my heart is to help others prevent it if at all possible.)

The unavoidable truth is that Biblical marriage and family life are under attack. We need to fight back by consistently investing in our marriages. One way to do that is to read books that offer instruction, illustration, and encouragement to help us strengthen our marriage and give it the priority it deserves.

There are a plethora of Christian books on marriage, but I’m only listing books I’ve personally read, therefore, feel safe recommending– there is a mix of books to help keep your marriage strong or aid you in a struggling marriage.

(The first five books would be a lovely wedding or shower gift for any engaged couples or newlyweds in your life!)

Christian Books on Marriage

1. Love & Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Description:

Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his wife, Sarah, have already taken the Love & Respect message across America and are changing the way couples talk to, think about, and treat each other. What do you want for your marriage? Want some peace? Want to feel close? Want to feel valued? Want to experience marriage the way God intended? Then why not try some Love and Respect.

A wife has one driving need–to feel loved. When that need is met, she is happy. A husband has one driving need–to feel respected. When that need is met, he is happy. When either of these needs isn’t met, things get crazy. Love & Respect reveals why spouses react negatively to each other, and how they can deal with such conflict quickly, easily, and biblically.

2. As For Me & My House, by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

(My personal favorite)

Description:

Most books on marriage offer ten easy steps and twenty-five proven principles for achieving marital bliss. But Walter Wangerin side-steps such easy answers and offers us instead an intimate portrait of his own courtship and thirty-two year marriage-and a pastoral view of married life that inspires readers to view their own marriages with new honesty and hope. Wangerin’s six tasks of marriage encourages couples to better understand and happily live out the vows they made, giving them tools to nurture and maintain a strong marital relationship. In his endorsement, Philip Yancey accurately describes this book as “an enduring classic and a book of wisdom, beauty, compassion, and piercing honesty.”

3. The Meaning of Marriage, by Timothy Keller

Description:

Based on the acclaimed sermon series by New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller, this book shows everyone—Christians, skeptics, singles, longtime married couples, and those about to be engaged—the vision of what marriage should be according to the Bible.

Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that your spouse is there to help you realize your potential; that marriage does not mean forever, but merely for now; and that starting over after a divorce is the best solution to seemingly intractable marriage issues. But these modern-day assumptions are wrong. Timothy Keller, with insights from Kathy, his wife of thirty-seven years, shows marriage to be a glorious relationship that is also misunderstood and mysterious. The Meaning of Marriage offers instruction on how to have a successful marriage, and is essential reading for anyone who wants to know God and love more deeply in this life.

4. Cherish, by Gary Thomas

Description:

“Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another,” Thomas says. 

And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, the act of cherishing is needed now more than ever. 

Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words. 

Through personal stories and real-world examples, Thomas proves what husbands and wives can begin doing today to turn their marriage around – even a marriage marred by neglect and disrespect. 

So how do you cherish your spouse? Thomas will show you how going out of your way to notice them, appreciate them, honor them, encourage them, and hold them close to your heart will bring hope, light, and life into your marriage.

5. Intended for Pleasure, by Ed Wheat, M.D. and Gaye Wheat

Description:

A classic for thirty years, Intended for Pleasure is an easy-to-read reference book that combines biblical teaching on love and marriage with the latest medical information on sex and sexuality. This popular resource gently encourages married couples to make their sexual relationship the fulfilling experience it was meant to be. This is a complete sex manual, with basic facts, illustrations, and frank discussion of all facets of human sexuality. A perfect gift for newlyweds and a source book for pastors and marriage counselors, this book has helped more than a million people understand and enjoy the gift God intended for pleasure.

Books for marriages struggling in specific areas

6. Beloved Unbeliever, by Jo Berry

Description:

Discover positive ways to approach the problem of being unequally yoked. Now there’s help, truly godly help! Using the scriptural framework of love, Beloved Unbeliever shows how to love your husband into the faith. Jo Berry interviewed dozens of women who are married to unbelievers. They shared the greatest difficulties they encounter and practical ways to handle problems. You’ll learn: – How to be a suitable helper – How to deal with hurts, heartaches, and hindrances – How to shoulder spiritual responsibility — In addition, you’ll find workshop questions on each chapter, so you can follow up on the chapter with individual or group study. Beloved Unbeliever will reassure you: happiness is possible in an unequally yoked situation.

7. Love Must be Tough, By Dr. James Dobson

Description:

You’ve forgiven a thousand times. You’ve bent over backwards to make your partner feel loved and accepted. But the only reward for your loyalty has been anger, indifference, infidelity, or abuse. Your spouse may even be ready to walk out the door.
Do you feel like all is lost? Are you ready to give up? There IS still hope.
Dr. James Dobson’s “tough love” principles have proven to be uniquely valuable and effective. Unlike most approaches to marriage crisis, the strategy in this groundbreaking classic does not require the willing cooperation of both spouses. Love Must Be Tough offers the guidance that gives you the best chance of rekindling romance, renewing your relationship, and drawing your partner back into your arms.

9. Torn Asunder, by Dave Carder

Description:

Written by respected pastor and marriage counselor Dave Carder, this revised and expanded version of Torn Asunder sorts through the factors that contribute to infidelity and then maps out a recovery process for both partners. With compassion and wisdom rooted in the Bible, Carder offers insight for the victims of adultery, the perpetrators, and those who seek to help hurting couples.

Along the way, Carder also answers questions like:

• Why did this happen?
• We didn’t actually sleep together, so is it still an affair?
• Can I trust my spouse again?
• Should I reveal a secret affair?
• What if my spouse doesn’t want me back?
• What do we tell the kids?

This refreshed and updated edition is an excellent resource for pastors, leaders, and laypeople. 

I hope you find a book here that will bless your marriage!
How about you, what Christian books on marriage would you recommend? Tell me in the comments 🙂