The gift of healthy relationships

By Dr David Marine Mabry
Encompass Executive Director

Devotionals to Deepen Your Love and Faith This Christmas 
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the many gifts we’ve received—both tangible and intangible. One of the most meaningful gifts we can nurture and give in return is the gift of healthy relationships. Whether you’re dating, engaged, or married, cultivating a relationship rooted in love, faith, and connection is truly one of life’s greatest blessings. ​

This December, why not consider giving each other the gift of intentional spiritual growth? Couples' devotionals can be wonderful tools for strengthening your relationship and drawing you both closer to Christ. Sharing these moments of prayer, reflection, and discussion can help you stay aligned as a couple during a season that’s often filled with busyness. To help you choose a devotional that’s right for you, we’ve reviewed and ranked several popular ones based on: 

• Ease of Understanding 
• Layout and Content
• ​Biblical/Theological Depth 
• Relatable Illustrations 
• Practical Application 
• Cost Value 

Here’s a breakdown of devotionals for couples at different stages of their relationship—perfect as a Christmas gift or a way to start the new year together! 
Devotional Books for Dating and Engaged Couples 
Together With Christ: A Dating Couples Devotional 
By Chelsea Damon 
This devotional provides 52 readings designed for dating couples to nurture their relationship and faith together. While it lacks the depth of others we reviewed, it’s still a good starting point for couples who are new to reading devotionals together. 
 Preparing Your Heart for Marriage: Devotions for Engaged Couples 
By Gary Thomas 
Written by the author of Sacred Marriage, this book is an excellent choice for engaged couples. With 30 devotions leading up to your wedding day, it helps prepare your hearts for the lifelong commitment you’re about to make. 
Devotions for Dating Couples: Building a Foundation for Spiritual Intimacy 
​By Ben Young & Samuel Adams 
Our top choice for dating and engaged couples, this nine-week devotional includes daily readings and weekly discussions. It’s perfect for couples looking to build a Christ-centered foundation for their relationship and stands out for its balance of spiritual depth and practical application. 
 
Devotional Books for Married Couples 

Devotions for a Sacred Marriage: A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples 
By Gary Thomas 
While this weekly devotional provides thoughtful reflections, we found it lacking in practical application for everyday married life. 
A Couple’s Devotional: 30-Minute Weekly Devotions to Grow in Faith and Joy from "I Do" to "Ever After" 
By Michelle Peterson 
This devotional offers 52 weeks of readings but could have benefited from stronger biblical application. Still, its concise format makes it easy to fit into your weekly routine. 
The Love Dare Day by Day: A Year of Devotions for Couples 
By Kendrick & Kendrick 
This daily devotional includes a simple one-page reading and prayer each day, making it easy to incorporate into your schedule. The appendix is a standout feature, providing valuable biblical and theological references. 
52 Uncommon Dates: A Couple's Adventure Guide for Praying, Playing, and Staying Together 
By Randy Southern 
This fun and engaging devotional encourages couples to explore their love languages and create intentional, meaningful experiences. It’s an excellent choice for couples who want to focus on quality time and deepen their emotional connection. 
The Meaning of Marriage: A Couple’s Devotional: A Year of Daily Devotions 
By Tim & Kathy Keller 
Based on Tim Keller’s The Meaning of Marriage, this devotional ranked highest across all categories. With thoughtful readings, practical applications, and a strong biblical foundation, it’s our top pick for married couples. 
 
The Greatest Gift: God’s Word 
While devotionals can be a wonderful tool, the ultimate gift for a healthy relationship is time spent together in God’s Word. Reading, discussing, and praying over scripture as a couple may feel daunting at first, but the blessings that come from studying the Bible together are immeasurable. Start with a favorite passage or a book like Psalms or Proverbs, and let God’s Word guide your relationship into deeper intimacy and understanding.