“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” I Pet. 3:7 (ESV) It's been a bad day; a really bad day. So, what do you [...]
How many times have you thought you were communicating clearly, only to discover that your words were taken in a way you never could have imagined—and likely, more negatively? Here are 5 explanations as to why communication that, however carefully delivered, might be quite different from what your mate actually heard: The other person is angry [...]
Key Thought The process of becoming one depends heavily on a couple’s ability to communicate effectively with one another. It is the lifeblood of a healthy and growing relationship. Without it, a marriage will weaken and die. What is effective communication? The process of listening and talking with one another in order to truly know [...]
Key Thought: Oneness grows only through the consistent practice of marital love by both spouses. Introduction: The ability to speak the same language is critically important for people (i.e. person to person, groups, nations, etc.) understanding and working together cooperatively (see Genesis 11:6—Tower of Babel). Principle: The development of oneness between a couple is greatly [...]
Key Thought: A wise husband discerns that his role is crucial in achieving oneness. The husband’s role includes three essential responsibilities: The first area of responsibility is love. “Husbands, love (agape) your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and (sacrificially) gave Himself for it… so husbands ought to love their own wives as [...]
Emotional distance can build up over time, often sneaking up on you without you even realizing it. Before you know it, it feels like you are miles apart, disconnected, and maybe not even in love. Unfortunately, it happened for a reason…and you may have played a part in that. These behaviors build walls and divide the [...]
This kind of relationship requires an emotional investment from both partners. There is a consistent effort to strengthen the emotional bond by engaging in the following behaviors: Spend quality time together. Engage in physical affection. Have regular, meaningful conversations. Be open and transparent with one another. Listen attentively to one another. Share hopes, dreams, and [...]
Forgiveness Ephesians 4:32 In a fallen world, forgiveness is essential to maintain close relationships. We all need forgiveness and we all need to grant forgiveness, because we all sin and we all have been sinned against. But asking for and granting forgiveness are not easy tasks! It’s not an easy subject to understand, as seen [...]
Are You a Giver or a Taker? The Common Marital Complaint Married women have a common complaint against their husbands: They feel used and taken advantage of. Research confirms that in the areas of emotional intimacy, affection, companionship, attentiveness, division of household work, and childcare, women typically do the heavy lifting. They sense they [...]
The Dangers of Dating I do not believe that dating is sinful but it is broken and needs to be fixed. Dating is similar to eating at a fast-food restaurant—it’s not wrong to eat there, but there is something far better available. There is a better way of romance, a way that might spare many [...]
