Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make is not just another marriage book. It’s a transformative work that examines marriage through the lens of the gospel, offering a robust and deeply biblical framework that challenges couples to confront themselves, their behaviors, and their expectations. Written by Paul David Tripp, an experienced pastor, author, and counselor, this book is a call to elevate our understanding of marriage beyond mere romanticism to a deeper, gospel-centered commitment. Updated with two bonus chapters in the 2021 edition, this work is an essential read for any Christian couple who desires a thriving, Christ-centered marriage.
A Transformative Approach to Marriage
In Marriage, Paul Tripp emphasizes six crucial commitments that every couple should make, commitments grounded in the transformative power of the gospel. These are not abstract ideas or ideals but practical principles that couples can apply daily. Tripp doesn’t shy away from addressing the messiness of real life, recognizing that every marriage, no matter how strong, faces its share of struggles. The key to overcoming these struggles is a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which becomes the foundation for a healthy, thriving marriage.
These six gospel commitments—designed to help couples live out their faith in their relationships—are not just helpful suggestions. They are vital aspects of a thriving marriage that are rooted in biblical principles, which Tripp unpacks with clarity, wisdom, and grace.
1. A Commitment to the Gospel
At the core of this book lies the central idea that marriage is not simply about partnership or love; it is about the gospel. Tripp repeatedly calls couples to understand that the gospel is the fuel for their marriage. Without this foundation, the challenges of life can easily overwhelm a relationship. The gospel teaches us grace, forgiveness, patience, and sacrificial love—qualities that are essential for any lasting marriage.
Tripp’s personal anecdotes, including stories from his own marriage to Luella, provide relatable examples that illustrate how the gospel has shaped their relationship. By sharing his own vulnerabilities, Tripp makes the book accessible and encourages couples to embrace the gospel as the central theme of their marriage, especially during difficult times.
2. A Commitment to Confession and Forgiveness
The second commitment focuses on the necessity of confession and forgiveness in a marriage. Tripp’s message is clear: no marriage is without conflict. However, what matters most is how couples respond to conflict. Rather than resorting to pride, defensiveness, or silence, Tripp encourages couples to practice humble confession and forgiveness.
This commitment challenges couples to look beyond their own desires and to embrace a heart of humility, recognizing that both partners are sinners in need of grace. The act of confessing sin, both big and small, and extending forgiveness can transform a marriage, leading to healing and restoration.
3. A Commitment to Building Trust
Trust is a fundamental element in any relationship, and in marriage, it is paramount. Tripp explores how trust can be built through honesty, consistency, and vulnerability. He emphasizes that trust is not something that is instantly granted; rather, it is earned over time through ongoing faithfulness.
For many couples, building trust means working through past wounds and betrayals. Tripp acknowledges the difficulty of rebuilding trust but offers hope, reminding couples that the gospel offers the ultimate model of trust and redemption.
4. A Commitment to Appreciation
The fourth commitment is a commitment to appreciating each other. In a world where self-centeredness often reigns, it’s easy for couples to take each other for granted. Tripp encourages couples to actively cultivate appreciation for their spouse, recognizing the gifts and blessings they bring to the marriage.
He suggests that appreciation begins with gratitude and encourages couples to intentionally express their thankfulness for each other, even in the midst of challenges. This simple but profound practice can shift the dynamic of a marriage and cultivate a culture of love and respect.
5. A Commitment to Growing Together
Marriage is a lifelong journey, and one of the most important commitments a couple can make is to grow together. Tripp stresses the importance of continual growth, both individually and as a couple. This growth is not simply about self-improvement but about growing in Christ-likeness, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in both partners’ hearts.
Tripp discusses the importance of pursuing personal and spiritual growth and highlights how this can strengthen the bond between husband and wife. He encourages couples to invest in each other’s spiritual well-being and to grow together through prayer, Bible study, and shared experiences.
6. A Commitment to Grace
Finally, Tripp emphasizes the importance of grace. Grace is the glue that holds a marriage together, enabling couples to forgive each other, overlook offenses, and extend love when it feels undeserved. Tripp reminds readers that grace is not just an abstract concept but something that should be practiced daily in marriage.
This commitment requires couples to view one another through the lens of God’s grace, understanding that neither partner is perfect but both are forgiven and empowered to love in ways that reflect Christ’s love for the church.
Why This Book Stands Out
What sets Marriage apart from other marriage books is its relentless focus on the gospel. In a culture that often idolizes romantic love or emphasizes personal happiness as the goal of marriage, Tripp calls couples to a higher purpose. He redefines marriage not as a tool for self-fulfillment but as a gospel-centered covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and His church.
The book is deeply theological but extremely practical. Tripp doesn’t simply present lofty ideas; he offers actionable advice and encourages couples to evaluate their own marriages through a gospel lens. The book includes questions for reflection and discussion, making it a valuable resource for both individual readers and small groups.
Additionally, Tripp’s transparency about his own struggles as a husband adds a layer of authenticity to the book. His openness about his mistakes and lessons learned provides couples with a model of humility and vulnerability, encouraging them to face their own challenges with grace.
The Repackaged 2021 Edition
This 2021 edition of Marriage includes two bonus chapters and a rebranded title that brings the focus back to the six gospel commitments. The new title shifts the emphasis from merely addressing failed expectations in marriage to offering a gospel-driven approach to building a healthy relationship. This rebranding is effective, as it highlights the book’s true purpose: to provide couples with a solid foundation rooted in the gospel.
The bonus chapters provide additional insight and practical tools for applying the commitments in everyday life. While some readers may feel that the additional content could have been integrated into the main text, these chapters offer valuable perspective and resources for couples who are looking for deeper reflection and guidance.
A Book for Every Stage of Marriage
Whether you are engaged, newly married, or have been married for decades, Marriage offers wisdom that is applicable to couples at all stages of their relationship. Tripp’s message is clear: the gospel is not just for the beginning of a marriage but for every moment of it. Couples can return to the gospel commitments again and again, allowing the truth of God’s word to shape and renew their relationship.
For pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders, this book is a powerful tool for equipping couples in their care for one another. The rich biblical insights and practical advice make it a must-read for anyone involved in marriage ministry.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Christian Couples
In conclusion, Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make is a must-read for any Christian couple. Tripp’s message is both convicting and hopeful, offering a clear path for couples who desire to honor God in their marriage. The six commitments he outlines provide a biblical framework that can transform marriages and lead couples into deeper intimacy with one another and with Christ.
I highly recommend this book to any couple looking to strengthen their relationship and build a marriage that is rooted in the gospel. Whether you are struggling in your marriage or simply want to grow in your relationship, this book will provide the tools and biblical wisdom you need.
Purchase Your Copy on Amazon
If you’re ready to dive into the life-changing principles of this book, you can purchase Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul David Tripp on Amazon. Simply [click here](insert affiliate link) to get your copy today!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page. This helps support the content I create, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
2 Comments