Which Biblical Couple Are You?

You and your partner symbolize the ideal of true love: Once you met each other, it was as if there was no one else in the world. Temptation and evil may enter into your blissful idyll and shatter your dream, but it cannot break the bond between you. You give each other strength and are able to confront and overcome any obstacles as long as you have each other. Read the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:15 to 3:13.

You are traditional when it comes to relationships. You dream of a large and loving family to surround you and an old age peacefully watching your children and grandchildren growing strong and happy, but sometimes aligning the reality of modern relationship stress to your dreams can be hard. As with Sarah and Abraham, the answer is always to have faith and patience, and to understand that sacrifice is sometimes required to keep the peace. Read the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17:1-8, 17:15-22, and 21:1-7.

Love is found in surprising places, so don't be disheartened if you and your partner don't seem to be a match. Like Rebekah, we must have faith in our partner and the relationship, even when we feel like we are walking blindly into the unknown. So whatever the obstacles to your relationship, keep the communication open between yourself and your partner, and learn how to celebrate your differences instead of feeling restrained by them. Read the story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24:26-67.

Sometimes the balance of power in a relationship is uneven, and one or the other is required to shoulder the majority of the work. What to do? In the story of David and Abigail, Abigail is faithful to her first husband even though he is a greedy tyrant. Her selfless devotion is rewarded when the relationship comes to a natural end and she starts a new life as the honored wife of King David. So be patient and allow life to take its natural cause, trusting that your reward will come. Read the story of David and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:14-42.

Each of us sins, and as we become forgetful, resentful, or insensitive to our partner's needs, we hurt them and rip apart the bonds that link us. The story of Hosea and Gomer teaches us that if we truly love, then we are able to forgive and forget even the biggest sins and rebuild our relationship from a place of healing. Read about the harsh trials their relationship survived in Hosea 1 and 3.

Joseph has a tough job trusting that Mary is telling the truth about her conception, which is no surprise if you think about it. How would you react if you thought your partner was a virgin and they suddenly showed up pregnant?! But however suspicious your partner's behavior may seem, trust is the basis of all relationships. If you allow jealousy to plant roots in the foundations of your love, then the cracks will start to show up fast, but if you reinforce your love with compassion and understanding, then it will only grow stronger. Read the story of Joseph and Mary in Luke 1:26-56 and Matthew 1:18-24.