Five Bible verses that will help strengthen a marriage

The process of falling in love and getting married is so pervasive worldwide that it is often viewed as a cultural or societal imposition.

According to American Psychological Association, more than 90 percent of people in Western cultures marry by age 50. Unfortunately, divorce is also half as pervasive, with 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States getting one.

Amid scientific and sociological studies around marriage, what many often forget is that the very concept of marriage is deeply rooted in the Bible, which also provides guidance on how to strengthen a married couple's relationship.

Here are five Bible verses that can help strengthen a marriage.

1. "There are three things that amaze me—no, four things that I don't understand: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman (Proverbs 30:18-19)."

Love between a man and a woman is more than just a cultural myth, nor the works of a surge in endorphins. It a special gift from God, because of so many people in the world, a man or a woman singles out one person to have romantic feelings for.

2. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (Genesis 2:24)."

In people's attempt to scrutinize the sociological, psychological and even the economic aspect of marriage, it is easily forgotten that the concept itself is founded on the Bible. It is God's command that man will leave the care of his parents to be united with his wife and build a family of their own.

3. "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)."

God endorses marriage so that nobody has to go through life's hardships alone; because two people are stronger in facing adversity together. At the same time, triumphs and joys are more meaningful if shared.

4. "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)."

As individuals, married couples face their own battles. The world can be harsh, and hours at work can be long. The Gospel stresses the importance of being kind to one another, and the importance of being more tolerant of each other's shortcomings and weaknesses.

5. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. (Mark 10:9)."

Marriage is not just a social contract between a man and a woman wanting to spend their life together. It is in itself a miracle because two different people learn to live with each other and grow together. It is no easy feat, and oftentimes, the threats are not from the outside but from within. That's why it is essential that God is at the center to help hold the marriage together.