If you’re trying to help another couple with their marriage, what are the best Christian marriage books to recommend? And can giving someone a book really change their relationship with their spouse? Here’s just one example of how such resources can transform lives:
“It wasn’t long into our marriage before we began to struggle in our relationship. We had no training in how to have a good marriage. We were not living for God. A few years later, I gave my life to the Lord. Because we were unequally yoked, we had new problems. Then I met a friend who introduced me to Focus on the Family. I subscribed to your monthly magazine and began reading many of the books about marriage that were recommended. Eventually my husband also gave his life over to God.”
—Elouise* from Kentucky
You can encourage commitment, connection, communication, conflict resolution and true intimacy by suggesting resources to a friend or family member who’s struggling in their marriage. The Bible is a great place to start, of course, but there are also dozens of helpful books to choose from. Why not start by offering them one of these books to help?
Classic Christian marriage books (in alphabetical order)
Boundaries in Marriage: Understanding the Choices That Make or Break Loving Relationships
Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Every spouse must make a few sacrifices to have a good marriage, but some limitations are necessary for a healthy relationship. This book guides wives and husbands to help them make good choices.
Building Love Together in Blended Families: The 5 Love Languages and Becoming Stepfamily Smart
Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron L. Deal
Experts joined forces to create this book especially for couples in blended families.
The DNA of Relationships for Couples: Discover How These Couples Found New Passion
Dr. Greg Smalley and Robert S. Paul
The authors use stories of fictional couples — based on real situations from their counseling experience — to help spouses find the destructive patterns in their relationship and overcome them.
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts
Dr. Gary Chapman
This bestseller teaches couples to understand what their spouse defines as “love” and how to give it.
How We Love: Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage
Milan and Kay Yerkovich
Childhood experiences significantly influence behavior of people after they’re grown. This book helps individuals to understand what’s driving their — and their spouse’s — behavior.
A Lasting Promise: The Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage
Scott Stanley, Daniel Trathen, Savanna McCain and Milt Bryan
This classic Christian marriage book details many nuances of relationships but also gives practical suggestions for addressing common challenges.
The Language of Love: The Secret to Being Instantly Understood
Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent
Readers can learn to share exactly what they’re feeling and help their spouse understand and empathize. This book explains and teaches a method called “emotional word pictures.”
The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment With the Wisdom of God
Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller
Prompted by a sermon series on marriage, the Kellers explain many Scripture passages and their implications for marriage in contemporary culture.
Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences
Bill and Pam Farrel
This book explores the differences in how most men and women are wired and how this affects who they are in relationships.
Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?
Gary Thomas
Marriage can actually teach us a lot about God. Understanding these ideas can help readers become more Christlike and improve their relationship with their spouse.
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
Workbooks include questions to help readers learn more about their potential (or current) spouse and themselves.
The Two Sides of Love: The Secret to Valuing Differences
Dr. John Trent and Gary Smalley
Wholehearted love has two sides: a soft side and a hard side. Both are important for deep, sincere love. To help readers understand the concept better, the 4 animals personality test is explained in detail.
The Wholehearted Wife: 10 Keys to a More Loving Relationship
Erin, Greg and Gary Smalley
No one can really change another person, but when one person in a marriage changes, the relationship changes.
You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity
Francis and Lisa Chan
Marriage ends when one spouse dies, but what are the eternal implications of how a couple lives out their relationship?
*Name changed to protect privacy.
You can find more helpful resources at Focus on the Family’s Marriage Resources page.
