Now when Jesus saw the couples, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples and their wives came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the marriages who recognize their own spiritual poverty, their need for God, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the marriages who mourn their own failings for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the marriages who are gentle and humble for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are the marriages who seek to live like Christ for they will be filled.

Blessed are the marriages who show mercy to their spouse for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the marriages whose hearts are pure for they will see God.

Blessed are the marriages who are peacemakers, for they will be called sons and daughters of God.

Blessed are the marriages who stand firm in their faith for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the spouses who are ridiculed for their faith and lied about, because great is their reward in heaven.

Your marriage is the salt of the earth for it preserves the family and country. Your marriage is the light of the world to shine the love of God. Let your light shine before all people that they may see your obedience and praise your Father in heaven.

You have heard that is was said to the people long ago, “Do not murder.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with their spouse will be subject to judgment. Anyone who calls their spouse a degrading name will be in danger.

If you are ministering in your local church and you remember that your spouse has something against you, leave your ministry and go and be reconciled to your spouse; then come and offer your talents.

Settle matters quickly with your spouse. Don’t give them the silent treatment. Do it while you are still with them rather than in public.

You have heard that it was said, “Do not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at another person lustfully other than their spouse has already committed adultery with them in their heart. If your eye, your computer or phone causes you to sin, throw it away.

It has been said, “Anyone who divorces his wife must give them a certificate of divorce.” But I tell you that anyone who divorces their spouse, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes them to become an adulterer. Therefore work on your marriage rather than giving up.

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your marriage vows, but keep your marriage vows that you have made to the Lord.” But I tell you, may everything you say “Yes” to, be done and everything you say “No” to, be done without extravagant promises. Just do it.

You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, don’t fear a spouse who has wrong intentions or is just plain wrong. If your spouse strikes you with bad words, show your determination not to escalate by offering them another word. And if your spouse makes you pick up your clothes on the floor, go the extra mile and pick up all the clothes and other items, including your spouses. Give to your spouse when they ask you and do not turn away, be generous.

You have heard that it was said, “Love your spouse when all is good and hate your spouse when all is bad.” But I tell you: Love your spouse and pray for them when you feel like they are your enemy or are persecuting you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. God is impartial, he can bless good spouses and bad spouses.  If you love your spouse only in good times, what reward will you get? What are you doing more than other couples? Strive for perfection, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves steal. But store up treasures in heaven. Don’t be a slave to money. Treasure God and your spouse more than your career and money. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, about eating at the best restaurants or wearing the latest fashions. Look how your father takes care of the birds and the beautiful flowers. Who can add a single hour to their life by worrying.

Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness and all your needs will be met.

Do not judge your spouse, or you too will be judged. For as you judge your spouse, you will be judged. How generous you are to your spouse will be measured to you as well, so be generous.

Why do you look at the little flaws in your spouse and pay no attention to your own major flaws. How can you say to your spouse how they are wrong unless you first realize your own imperfections? Change yourself before asking them to change. Do to your spouse what you would have them do to you.

Therefore, every couple who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise couple who build their marriage on the rock of Christ. When the storms arise, and they will, their marriage will stand firm.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching because as the author of marriages and husband of the church, he had authority.