“The War on Marriage: Why the Devil Opposes Godly Unions and How Couples Can Overcome His Attacks”

The Battle Beyond the Vows

Marriage is not merely a social contract; it is a divine covenant — a reflection of God’s relationship with His people (Ephesians 5:31–32). Because of this sacred symbolism, the enemy has always sought to distort, divide, and destroy marriages. When a man and woman unite under God, they represent Christ and His Church — and Satan, the accuser of brethren, despises that image.

In today’s world — filled with distractions, immorality, and self-centered ideologies — the devil’s strategy against marriages is more aggressive than ever. Yet, understanding his tactics and grounding our relationships in God’s Word can bring victory and restoration.

1. Why the Devil Opposes Marriage

a. Marriage Reflects God’s Image

From the beginning, God designed marriage as a mirror of His nature — unity in diversity (Genesis 1:27–28). Man and woman were made in His image to rule, reproduce, and reflect His glory together. Satan, who was cast down for pride and rebellion, cannot bear the sight of that divine partnership.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” — Mark 10:9

When two believers walk in love, unity, and submission to God, they become a powerful testimony of Heaven’s order on earth. The enemy’s goal, therefore, is to distort this image — turning love into conflict, unity into division, and holiness into compromise.

b. Marriage Produces Godly Seed

In Malachi 2:15, God says He seeks “godly offspring.” Through godly marriages come children who will know and serve the Lord — a direct threat to Satan’s kingdom. If he can break the family, he can influence generations. Every divorce, every broken home, and every fatherless child represents spiritual warfare manifesting in the physical realm.

c. Marriage Models Christ and the Church

Ephesians 5:25–32 paints marriage as a divine mystery — where the husband’s love represents Christ’s sacrifice, and the wife’s submission mirrors the Church’s devotion. Satan despises this representation because it constantly reminds him of his defeat at Calvary. Every thriving godly marriage proclaims: Christ is victorious.

2. The Devil’s Arsenal: How He Attacks Marriages

The enemy doesn’t always attack marriages with obvious weapons. Often, he works subtly — planting seeds of discord, doubt, and disconnection.

a. The Spirit of Distraction

Psychologically, attention determines connection. The modern couple faces constant distractions — work, social media, finances, and even ministry — all pulling attention away from intimacy.

When emotional connection fades, the heart becomes vulnerable to temptation, resentment, or apathy.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

b. The Spirit of Division

Division is Satan’s oldest trick. He divides to conquer — first separating hearts, then minds, and finally homes.

The psychological consequence is emotional alienation: partners stop feeling seen, valued, or heard.

> “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” — Matthew 12:25

c. The Spirit of Offense and Unforgiveness

Offense is one of hell’s favorite tools. When hurt festers, bitterness builds, and communication breaks down. Many couples fall into silent wars — still under one roof, but emotionally divorced.

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” — Ephesians 4:26–27

d. The Spirit of Lust and Infidelity

Satan corrupts love by promoting counterfeit intimacy — through pornography, flirtation, or emotional affairs. These sins don’t start in the bed; they begin in the mind. Psychologically, infidelity rewires the brain, creating addictive cycles of secrecy and shame.

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18

3. Overcoming the Enemy’s Attacks

Victory in marriage requires intentional spiritual and emotional discipline. The Bible provides the blueprint.

a. Anchor Your Marriage in Prayer

Prayer invites divine protection and unity. Couples who pray together develop empathy, spiritual intimacy, and shared vision.

> “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12

Make prayer a daily habit — not just crisis management, but covenant maintenance.

b. Guard Your Minds and Hearts

Psychologically, what you focus on grows. Guard your thoughts, conversations, and emotional boundaries. Avoid comparisons, lustful media, and gossip that undermine respect.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23

c. Walk in Forgiveness and Humility

Forgiveness is not weakness; it’s spiritual warfare. Pride fuels conflict, but humility restores peace.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13

Forgive quickly. Communicate honestly. Remember you are on the same team — fighting the same enemy, not each other.

d. Cultivate Love and Intimacy Intentionally

Love must be nurtured like a garden. Speak life, not criticism. Reconnect emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

e. Stay Rooted in the Word

Scripture strengthens the mind and renews the heart. Make the Word the foundation of your home.

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” — Matthew 7:25

4. Final Thoughts: Winning the War Together

Marriage is not a playground — it’s a battlefield of love, faith, and endurance. But when Christ is at the center, victory is certain. The devil may attack, but he cannot destroy what God has ordained. Every time a couple chooses forgiveness over offense, unity over pride, and prayer over bitterness — they declare that love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

So hold your spouse’s hand, armor up with faith, and fight back together. Your marriage is not just about your happiness — it’s about God’s glory.

Written by Will and Ceci www.comebroken.co.uk

A Christian resource platform helping couples rebuild, restore, and reignite godly marriages through truth, healing, and faith.