| |
|
Article Directory :: Religion & Faith Articles
Being a Christian does not insulate your marriage from times of trouble. Like every other person walking around and breathing, Christian relationships can be ransacked with the pain of infidelity, the cold distance resulting from bitterness, and the loneliness of conflict. Here are 5 things you can do to bring a sense of stability and sanity to a troubled Christian marriage:
1. Recognize there is a problem
As a counselor, I am always amazed at the energy that is spent in denying the existence of a troubled relationship. Spouses – male and female – will go to great lengths to avoid dealing with a problem. Problems will be denied, overlooked, or even ignored in hopes that they will somehow resolve themselves. Sadly, it does not happen, and couples find their relationship in dire circumstances.
Couple Tip: Admit there is a problem. You do not necessarily have to agree on the cause of the problem. Simply agreeing a problem exists can cause a change in attitude.
2. "Quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."
James 1:19 reminds us to "Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear." (The Message). Quick tempers and a lack of listening to one another is a sure fire way to get into an argument. James emphasizes the significance of listening over talking.
Couple Tip: Consider whether you are truly listening to your spouse's need or are you interrupting so that you do not have to take any blame?
3. Do not make a major life changing decisions regarding divorce
When I counsel couples I am always interested in whether one spouse has already spoken to a divorce attorney. This often tells me the depth of their emotional pain. Hasty decisions can have permanent consequences. Divorce can always take place. Reconciliation after divorce requires more work.
Couple Tip: If you feel like talking to a divorce attorney then consider talking to a trusted friend about your motives. Are you making your decision based on emotion? If you do talk to an attorney, do not make any final decision for 60 – 90 days. Emotions can be very volatile even for 30 days.
4. Support, support, support
Assuming you both desire to save your marriage, I encourage you to find some likeminded fellow Christians that can walk with you during this time. Many churches have marriage mentor programs, or a pastor to will meet with you. Some of the best advice we received was even from older couples that my husband and I sought out to talk with.
Couple Tip: Dare to ask for help. It is much easier to isolate than to reach out. No one can help you if you do not ask for it.
5. Pray blessings for your spouse
Too often when we are in the midst of crisis, our prayers remain self focused. If I shift my focus from wanting justification for my behavior to blessings for my spouse then my attitude will become more peaceful. Therefore, I am more amiable and approachable.
Couple Tip: Write down 15 things you are grateful for your spouse for, and share the list with them either verbally or in a card or email.
Being a Christian does not guarantee your relationships will be wrinkle free. However, God does promise to walk with us through these times, and provide respite when we need it. (Psalm 23) and provide hope for troubled marriages.
Are you looking for help with your Christian marriage? I invite to visit http://www.greatchristianmarriages.com/ for more resources that can help save your marriage, even if you are the only person that is seeking help.
Terre Grable is Christian licensed professional counselor in Franklin, Tennessee. She enjoys helping couples strengthen and rebuild intimacy within their marriage and relationships.
 EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here
More articles by Terre Grable
|
Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:
Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - General
Computers & Technology
Finance & Investment
Food & Drink
Health & Fitness
Home & Family
Internet Marketing/Online Business
Legal
Pets & Animals
Politics & Government
Reference & Education
Religion & Faith
Self-Improvement/Motivation
Social
Sports & Recreation
Travel & Leisure
Writing & Speaking
|
More religious articles: - The History of Mont St. Michel (Bob and Penny Lord)
Mont St. Michel, was once a Shrine to Belen, the Celtic god of Light. It later became a Shrine to the Roman Mercury. It did not become a Christian place of worship until the 5th century, when it was occupied by hermits from the other side of the channel (somewhere in the British Isles, as it is now known, probably from Ireland). - Prophecy, Revival & Discernment (Phillip Ross)
We have a Romantic understanding of revival, as if it is a sweet and glorious time -- like a family reunion or picnic. But real revival, real reformation is traumatic. It divides as well as unites. - To Have Life More Abundantly (Scott F Paradis)
What we really desire more than anything is to have life and have it abundantly. To recognize the promise and fulfill the potential of life we must live by faith. A power greater than self is guiding us home. - Get Your House Organized for Passover (Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch)
March 29, 2010 marks the beginning of Passover. If you are Jewish, it is week when family and community come together to celebrate the Exodus. The hallmark of this observance is the removal of all leaven from the home, which commemorates the fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbolic way to remove the "puffiness," or arrogance and pride, from the soul. - Ruth Was An Illegal Immigrant, So Does That Make Boaz A Villain? (Aaron Taylor)
Every once in a while I get an "aha" moment and I can't turn my mind off, thus preventing me from a good night's sleep. Last night's "aha" moment came as I was reflecting on the issue of comprehensive immigration reform. - The Price Has Already Been Paid (Michael A. Verdicchio)
Too many Christians are trying very hard to become righteous in God's eyes. Many do penance to try and pay for their sins, while the Bible declares that Jesus Christ paid the price for all sins. If he paid the price for all sins, then what price is there left to pay? - What is a Memorial Card? (Tony Goold)
A memorial card is a card of remembrance. It is always produced by the family and friends of the deceased. The card is produced usually stating the date of birth, date of death and where the deceased lived. A memorial card can either be religious or not but the main idea of the card usually has two reasons for being produced, It helps the bereavement process and it also creates a card that remembers the person who died. - Is This All There Is? (Scott F Paradis)
Life is so much more than what we experience through our senses. Life is so much more than what we know. Only by moving beyond what we know with certainty do we expose new opportunities. By taking risks and stepping out on faith we make new discoveries and come to live life more fully - Who is Saint Roch? (Bob and Penny Lord)
Saint Roch has many titles: Miracle Worker - Patron Saint of Cholera, Plague, epidemics, dogs, dog lovers, pilgrims, bachelors, surgeons and grave diggers, among others.
We Automatically Distribute Articles
To Thousands Of Publishers And Web Sites:
Submit Article
All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information. The views expressed are those of the individual contributing authors and not necessarily those of this web site, or its owner, Takanomi Limited.
|
|
