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 about relationships?
Table of Contents
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Today, I want us to look at the following twenty-five Christian relationship books. The list is in no particular order. But it includes some of the more popular books as well as some newer, less known options.
Love & Respect
One of the most popular relationship books recommended to couples is Emerson Eggerich’s book “Love & Respect”.
The book is based on Ephesians 5:22-33. It is focused on the biblical concept of men needing respect and women needing love.
It is especially good for those in marriages with traditional roles. But, can also be beneficial for couples simply needing a boost for growth. “Love & Respect” is great for starting a conversation around the topic of what you and your significant other each need.
However, some readers say it is not necessarily helpful 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 helpful for all their relationships, not just in their marriages or while 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 for military spouses.
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Sacred Marriage
Gary Thomas is well-known for his thoughtful and biblically grounded books. Sacred Marriage is no exception. Sacred Marriage is not the typical self-help book that is common among books about relationships.
Instead, it digs into what marriage is all about while also getting into the issues many married couples face. More so than some, it deals with the spiritual aspect of marriage. It is a great book for either individuals or couples to read.
The Meaning of Marriage
Written by Timothy Keller with his wife Kathy Keller, this book talks about the biblical view of marriage. It discusses how to love God more deeply in the context of your marriage.
It also touches on practical ideas on how to have a successful marriage. Regardless of your marital status, this book is a wonderful resource.
Preparing for Marriage
Preparing for Marriage, which is by Dennis Rainey, is often used for premarital counseling. But it is a great book to be read by couples looking to prepare for marriage or even newlyweds.
Formatted in the workbook style, it contains questions for self-reflection as well as for discussion.
Also Related: Top 19 Best Devotions For Dating Couples.
Boundaries in Marriage
“Boundaries in Marriage” is by Dr. Henry Cloud. He 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 is especially good for couples who want to learn how to establish healthy boundaries together. But “Boundaries in Marriage” may not fix an abusive relationship where placing boundaries could make it 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., it is based on the idea that men and women have 10 vital needs. Each person has a unique ranking of needs. It is a great resource for couples at every stage.
However, couples will need to exercise discernment in how to apply the principles to their specific context.
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Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before We Got Married
In this book, Gary Chapman draws on the concepts from his book “The 5 Love Languages”. But, “Things I Wish I Would Have Known digs deep into common areas of conflict in a marriage.
Topics covered include finances, sex, family relationships, household duties, resolving disagreements, and more. Great for couples at any stage in their relationship.
Moments Together for Couples
This daily devotion book is written by Dennis & Barbara Rainey. It is designed to help couples spend time with God and with each other.
They are a great conversation starter while also providing Scripture to dwell on. The devotion topics include a wide range of marriage and relationship-related concepts, including parenting.
Reconnected: Moving From Roommates to Soulmates in Marriage
This new book by Dr. Greg Smalley and his wife Erin is for couples that are finding themselves drifting apart. They teach practical ways to reconnect with your spouse when the busyness and stress of life cause them to disconnect.
In addition, they discuss the role of social media in drawing couples apart. One of the best Christian relationship books for today’s couples!
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 growing healthy marriages.
In this book, they address the lies which can kill a marriage. It includes self-tests so that you and your significant other can determine which ones may be present in your relationship. It is helpful for marriages at any stage, including those on the rocks.
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 biggest enemy of our marriages. Harvey offers a biblical foundation of what marriage is and how God works within our marriages.
He also includes helpful, practical advice. The range of topics includes arguments, forgiveness, sex, aging spouses, death, and more. Great for couples who are preparing for marriage as well as those who have been married for a long time.
Also Related: Top 12 Best Prayer Journal For Women.
Devotions for a Sacred Marriage: A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples
This book by Gary Thomas was created to be used on a weekly basis. This is unique from other devotional books which are often daily readings.
“Devotions for a Sacred Marriage” provides biblical insight as well as discussion questions. It is great as a companion to the book “Sacred Marriage” or on its own. What better idea than to read through devotional Christian relationship books!
Getting Ready for Marriage: A Practical Road Map for Your Journey Together
Next on our list of Christian relationship books is “Getting Ready for Marriage”. This book is perfect for couples who are thinking about marriage or who are engaged. Getting Ready for Marriage is written by Jim Burns and Doug Fields, who are experienced veterans in ministry and marriage.
The book provides exercises and conversation starters to help ground readers in the reality of what marriage is like. It is for younger couples or those who have not been together for long. But, it can be helpful for others as well.
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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 sinfulness. 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 need to fight for rather than against each other. This book is easy to read. However, it covers a lot of ground in regards to the challenges that arise in marriage.
The Mingling of Souls: God’s Design for Love, Sex, Marriage, and Redemption
In Mingling of Souls, Matt Chandler and Jared Wilson describe the process of courtship and marriage. Using the Song of Songs as an outline, 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 does not discount 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. It provides discussion questions to prompt conversations about expectations and previous experiences. It is rooted in Scripture and covers a range of practical advice and discussion.
The book brings out the impact that your background can have on your approach to finances, education, faith, and more. In addition, to these topics, it also opens the opportunity to discuss short-term and long-term goals for your relationship.
Ready or Knot? 12 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have Before Marriage
In this book, Scott Kedersha writes about building a marriage on the foundation of Jesus Christ and the Word. It Features reflective questions to do individually and together.
“Ready or Knot” is one of the most useful Christian relationship books whether you are dating or engaged. It can also be a refresher for married couples!
Also Related: The Top 15 Best Study Bibles 2020.
Preparing 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 the role of God in your marriage, your beliefs, and other spiritual aspects.
Piper also discusses practical things like wedding planning, finances, and sex. While 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 which journeys through the Song of Songs, this devotional by Brent D. Christianson contains meditations on the topics found in the Song.
In addition, each section contains practical things for couples to talk about as well as put into action. Wonderful for any couple who wishes to delve deeper into the biblical perspective on dating, love, and marriage.
The 10 Best Decisions a Couple Can Make: Bringing Out the Best in Your Relationship
“The Ten Best Decisions” uses 1 Corinthians 13 as an outline. In it, Bill and Pam Farrell point out ten decisions that they believe are vital for couples to make.
The book covers topics such as communication, sex, romance, fighting fair, personalities, and connecting with God. This book is useful for newlyweds as well as those who have been married for a while.
A Couple After God’s Own Heart: Building a Lasting, Loving Marriage Together
In this biblically grounded book, Jim and Elizabeth George introduce couples in the Bible with a fresh perspective. Their purpose is to teach today’s couples what a couple after God’s own heart looks like.
Included in the topics are ways to communicate as well as decision making. Another interesting feature is that each chapter contains bullet-point summaries
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of the lessons learned.
The Marriage Knot: 7 Choices That Keep Couples Together
Ron and Jody Zappia’s marriage was on the rocks. Through God’s intervention, they eventually learned the necessary principles for a healthy marriage. These principles form the basis of this book.
They discuss conflict resolution, sex, communication, and many other common relationship issues. Also included is a discussion guide for a couple or small group.
What Happened To Happily Ever After?: Fixing The 10 Mistakes Most Couples Make
In this book, David E. Clarke focuses on the ten mistakes couples make which kill the intimacy in their relationships.
He also talks about how to correct them. He covers topics from communication and romance to boredom in marriage and spiritual bonding.
“What Happened to Happily Ever After?” is wonderful for couples who are dating. It is also great for those who have been married, but whose marriage is lacking the intimacy they had.
The Emotionally Healthy Marriage: Growing Closer by Understanding Each Other
A popular concept in the world of relationship and self-help books is that of developing emotional intelligence.
In their book on emotionally healthy marriages, Dr. David and Dr. Jan Stoop help couples learn about each others’ emotions, developing accountability and empathy among other aspects of emotional intelligence.
Conclusion
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the topics of relationships and marriage. Some delve into the biblical foundation of marriage and others offer more practical tips and advice. Still, others attempt to meld the two together.
What are your thoughts? Which of these books do you think you will 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!
