Should My Spouse and I Read the Bible Together or Alone? - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - August 29

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Should My Spouse and I Read the Bible Together or Alone?

By: Vivian Bricker

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Upon looking at the different study Bibles at a bookstore, I found that there are Bible studies specifically for women and some specifically for men. This confused me because why are men and women being separated in their Bible study time? Every aspect of the Bible is for everyone, not just certain parts.

Sadly, the ideology of biblical manhood and biblical womanhood has been far from biblical. This separation has caused many unbelievers to be even more opposed to the Gospel because of patriarchal values. The truth of the matter is that God created man and woman equal. Both men and women are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Since this is true, there is no reason for a separation in learning the Bible.

While men and women can have unique problems, this does not mean our worship, Bible study, and focus on the Lord should change. In fact, by doing these things together, we can learn more about Jesus and deepen our relationship with Him. There need not be divisions or separations in the body of believers. Group Bible studies should include men and women of all different ages, walks of life, and life situations.

This can help us learn more about others and see the beauty of God in their lives. If we never do this, we will only become more separated from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Moreover, it can lead us to be far from our spouse. If we never read the Bible together, study the Bible together, or pray together, the spiritual aspect of our marriage will begin to suffer.

As believers, we need to start including our spouses in our Christian walk. From the moment you married your spouse, you became one flesh (Genesis 2:24). This means that you are united together. There is no reason to separate yourself in order to follow teachings created by mere men. Instead of doing this, try to start studying the Word together. Even if this is not done in your church, you can study the Bible together at home.

Take some time out of your morning or evening to spend time in the Word. You and your spouse can read the Bible passages aloud, talk matters over, reflect upon the teachings, pray together, and apply the teachings in your life. All of these things will strengthen your relationship with God as well as with each other. While many people might think Bible reading and studying should only be done by ourselves, it can be done with our spouse.

It is a great bonding experience, and it can help us keep our hearts focused on the Lord. Even if we might forget about a certain teaching we read from the Bible, our spouse will be able to bring us back to Jesus. This is a beautiful blessing. Work as a team with your spouse and continue to study the Word throughout your life. You and your spouse might be surprised by how much daily Bible reading and Bible study will positively impact your marriage.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” As the psalmist tells us here, the Bible is a lamp to his feet and a light on his path. The Bible will guide, instruct, and encourage us in what we should do. By reading the Bible with our spouse, we will be able to help point them back to God’s Word when they are struggling, and they will be able to point us back to God. God’s Word will illuminate our way in both our daily lives and our marriage.

Set aside time with God today. Include your spouse and truly reflect on what you have read. With time, you will begin to see that it is beneficial to read the Bible together as a married couple and as individuals. Growth is needed in order to follow the Lord, and sometimes, this can be done through the learning we experience with our spouse. Start reading the Bible and doing Bible studies together as a couple, and watch your marriage bloom.

“Dear God, I have often doubted whether I should read my Bible with my spouse. I wasn’t sure if that was okay or if everything needed to be separate. Guide my spouse’s and my steps as we are following You. I trust that You will illuminate the way. Thank You, Amen.”

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

Related Resource: The Death of Entitlement: Developing the Marriage You Were Reborn to Live with Gary Thomas

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