Bible Study for Couples: A First Session Together

Studying together can get awkward when one person becomes the teacher or the passage turns into a list of things the other person should change. Give both people room to read and speak.

This first session uses Colossians 3:12-17. Paul addresses a Christian community here. Couples can practice this teaching together without pretending that the paragraph was written only about marriage.

A twenty-minute first session

Share the reading before sharing advice

1. 1.Read: 4 minutes

   Read the paragraph aloud, then let each person reread quietly.

2. 2.Notice: 5 minutes

   Each person names a command or image and points to its verse.

3. 3.Discuss: 8 minutes

   Ask how the whole paragraph connects compassion, patience, forgiveness, love, and gratitude.

4. 4.Respond: 3 minutes

   Each chooses one action for themselves. Pray together if both are comfortable.

Three questions to discuss

1. What does the text ask its readers to put on? List the qualities in verses 12-14. Let both people answer before turning to your relationship.
2. How do the instructions fit together? Consider how patience, forgiveness, love, and gratitude shape the shared life described in the paragraph.
3. What response can I take responsibility for? Speak in the first person. For example: "I will let you finish speaking before I respond during our next disagreement."

An application is an invitation to examine yourself. Avoid using a verse as proof that your partner must agree with you, forgive on demand, or keep discussing something when they have asked for a break.

The Colossians commentary can help with unfamiliar language. Read its explanation after each of you has written an observation.

Adjust the session for your relationship

If you are dating: Discuss habits, commitments, and expectations without assuming the responsibilities of marriage. It is reasonable to involve a trusted mentor. Studying together is not evidence that a relationship must continue.

If you are married: Choose a time when neither person is rushing. Agree that the study will not become a review of every unresolved conflict. If a serious issue emerges, set aside another conversation and seek appropriate help.

If your levels of Bible knowledge differ: Take turns reading and answering first. Explain a term when asked rather than correcting every sentence. Each person should be able to say, "I do not know yet."

Forgiveness does not require accepting abuse or unsafe contact. A Bible study is not a substitute for protection or qualified support when someone is being harmed.

Choose the next passage together

For another session, try James 4:1-10 and ask how the passage connects conflict with desires. Keep the discussion grounded in your own response rather than assigning motives to your partner.

Use the printable worksheet separately before meeting, or keep personal notes in Protos. If you are preparing a wider group, the group-leading guide offers a different session structure.