
A Christian marriage is meant to reflect Christ’s love—sacrificial, patient, and enduring. But just because two people share the same faith doesn’t mean their marriage will automatically work out. Many Christian couples still struggle, and some marriages don’t survive. Here are 15 common reasons why Christian marriages fail.
They Think Love Alone Will Sustain the Marriage

Love is definitely required in any relationship, but it’s not enough. Many couples believe their deep feelings will carry them through anything, only to realize that love without effort, communication, and commitment fades. A lasting marriage isn’t just about how much you love each other; it’s more about how much you’re willing to invest in each other.
They Stop Pursuing God Together

A marriage is strongest when both partners are growing spiritually. But when one or both stop praying together, studying Scripture, or seeking God’s will, their relationship becomes vulnerable. A couple that drifts from God will eventually drift from each other. Faith must be active, not just a shared history.
Unresolved Conflict Turns into Resentment

Every marriage has disagreements, but how couples handle them makes all the difference. Ignoring issues, sweeping problems under the rug, or refusing to forgive creates a slow, silent poison in the relationship. Ephesians 4:26 reminds us, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Holding onto bitterness can destroy even the strongest bond.
They Let Busyness Replace Intimacy

Couples often put their relationship on autopilot between jobs, church commitments, kids, and all their life’s responsibilities. They assume their spouse will always be there, but intimacy requires intentionality. When date nights disappear, deep conversations fade, and affection is taken for granted, emotional distance follows. You need to prioritize your relationship over work.
One or Both Stop Making Sacrifices

A thriving marriage requires selflessness. When one (or both) spouses stop considering each other’s needs and become more focused on “What about me?” than “How can I serve?” love starts to erode. Christ-like love isn’t about getting what you want; it’s about giving of yourself for the good of the other.
They Rely More on Feelings Than Commitment

Feelings fluctuate. Some days, you’ll be overwhelmed with love; other days, you’ll be frustrated or indifferent to each other. Couples who expect to “feel” in love every day set themselves up for failure. Marriage is about commitment, not just chemistry. Love is a choice, not just an emotion. You should always stay committed to your partner, no matter what.
They Don’t Set Boundaries with the Opposite Sex

Many Christian marriages have crumbled because one spouse got too emotionally close to someone outside the marriage. It starts as a harmless friendship, but over time, private conversations, inside jokes, and shared struggles create emotional intimacy that should be reserved for the spouse. Protecting your marriage means setting firm boundaries before temptation arises.
They Neglect Physical Intimacy

God designed physical intimacy as an essential part of marriage, not just an afterthought. When one or both spouses stop prioritizing it—whether due to stress, resentment, or exhaustion—it creates distance. A lack of intimacy often leads to temptation elsewhere, not just physically but emotionally. That’s how partners start to cheat each other, which is a sin never forgiven.
They Allow Family or Friends to Interfere

While seeking godly counsel is wise, letting outside voices dictate your marriage is dangerous. When your parents, in-laws, or close friends have too much influence on your decisions, it weakens the bond between husband and wife. Don’t let them be the third wheel. Marriage is a covenant between two people and God—not the entire extended family.
They Have Different Financial Values

Money is one of the top reasons marriages end. If one spouse is a spender and the other is a saver, or if financial priorities aren’t aligned correctly, conflict is bound to happen. Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” A couple that doesn’t communicate about finances will struggle to build a stable future together.
They Stop Speaking Each Other’s Love Language

Every person feels love differently—some need words of affirmation, others need acts of service, quality time, physical touch, or even luxury gifts. When a spouse stops loving their partner in the way they best receive it, the emotional connection starts to weaken. Marriage requires learning, adjusting, and intentionally meeting each other’s needs.
They Keep Secrets or Hide Their Struggles

Honesty is the foundation of trust. When couples hide financial problems, past mistakes, temptations, or deep struggles, they create walls between them. The enemy works in secrecy—bringing things into the light allows healing and restoration. A strong marriage has no room for deception. Be honest and stay open about everything—what you’ve done, why you’ve done that, etc.
They Let Small Irritations Grow into Big Divisions

No marriage ends overnight. It’s often the accumulation of small, unresolved frustrations that build up over time. Leaving dishes in the sink, ignoring text messages, or forgetting important dates may seem minor, but when repeated, they can make a spouse feel unheard, unseen, or unappreciated. Small cracks left unattended can cause major breakage.
They Focus More on Being Right Than Being United

Some arguments are less about solving problems and more about proving a point. When winning a fight becomes more important than understanding your spouse, resentment builds. A marriage isn’t about keeping score—it’s about keeping unity. Who’s more important for you—your ego or your spouse? Sometimes, peace is more important than proving you’re right.
They Ignore the Warning Signs Until It’s Too Late

Most marriages don’t fail suddenly. They decline over time. Many couples see the signs—less communication, more distance, unresolved hurts—but assume things will fix themselves. But without effort, things only get worse. A marriage requires regular maintenance, just like a house. If you ignore the cracks, don’t be surprised when the foundation starts to crumble.