Christian Marriage Articles

God’s “Secret” Became One Couple’s Miracle

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Most of us long for a better marriage, and that longing is to be applauded. However, how might some go about improving the relationship?

He Desires to Be First Among Equals, She Desires to Be First in Importance

He Desires to Be First Among Equals, She Desires to Be First in Importance

A husband has a need to be respected by his wife. That is what Paul teaches in Ephesians 5:33. As well, a wife has a need to be honored (respected) by her husband.

God’s “Secret” Became One Couple’s Miracle

God’s “Secret” Became One Couple’s Miracle

The love and respect connection is real—make no mistake. When I was reading Ephesians 5 one day in 1998, after having studied and taught from this chapter many times in my twenty years of preaching, God revealed this connection to me and it blew me away.

Is Unconditional Respect Foolish and Impossible While Unconditional Love Is Wise?

Is Unconditional Respect Foolish and Impossible While Unconditional Love Is Wise?

People who think culturally, not biblically oftentimes stumble over the idea of unconditional respect.

Why One Husband Struggles With Being the Spiritual Leader

Why One Husband Struggles With Being the Spiritual Leader

"My wife and I have been really struggling with our communication and our relationship; feels like we are two ships sailing in the night, which concerns me. I know I am responsible for what comes out of my mouth, which reveals what is in my heart. I have been trying to take responsibility for that and ask for forgiveness."

Is Unconditional Respect Foolish and Impossible While Unconditional Love Is Wise?

Why One Husband Struggles With Being the Spiritual Leader

Too Simplistic In Light of Serious Marital Problems?

Too Simplistic In Light of Serious Marital Problems?

A critic states, "Love and respect is too simplistic for couples who have more serious problems." Yes, many couples have serious problems beyond love and respect. However, those serious problems do not justify neglecting love and respect in favor of the alternative: hate and contempt. Not only is hostility and disdain destructive of intimacy, such behavior opposes God's command to love and respect in marriage (Ephesians 5:33).

Who Is The Primary Provider?

Who Is The Primary Provider?

My dad lost his job in his early 50’s. His employer, a railroad company, went against union contract by closing down the terminal and dad found himself unemployed. At that juncture my mom provided the primary income. That arrangement strained the marriage not because mom earned more but because dad felt disrespected when mom would unthinkingly comment about having to earn the money, or she’d spend money independently of dad’s knowledge. And mom felt unloved when dad did not express appreciation for all her work or would explode in anger when she appeared too independent.

Unlovable Wives And Unrespectable Husbands

Unlovable Wives And Unrespectable Husbands

Recently a wife of an alcoholic wrote me, sharing with me that the teaching of unconditional respect permeates Al-Anon. Al-Anon is an organization created to serve family members of alcoholics. She wrote, "Al-Anon teaches that everyone deserves respect and dignity and the right to be their own person – no matter what their problems are or how they decide to manage (or not manage) their lives.

Investing In Marriage

Many of the couples who attend our Love and Respect marriage conferences have good marriages. So why do they attend if they have good marriages? Such folks keep on investing in those marriages. They invest the time, effort, and finances to maintain a satisfying and stable marriage. For example, people are traveling from 24 states to attend our Charlotte North Carolina conference. Wow!

Investing In Marriage