How to save a Christian marriage

[chinesechristian]

Christian marriages are more prone to destructive forces because both partners are aware of "sin" and as such could notice the partner's "sinful ways" more often. They are supposed to be "Made in Heaven", the truth, however, is that a Christian couple's marriage is more "challenged" due to the fact both partners have to fullfill his/her religious obligations while simultaneously maintaining a marriage.

Christian unions are no different from ordinary couples. They are human too with their human frailties and weaknesses: they forget things, they are impatient and irate at times; they're inconsiderate and selfish; and because they are aware of sin - hell is a lot more closer to them; but and this is a big BUT - all of these will vanish once

CHRIST comes into the picture.

How can you save your Christian marriage?

The following are methods suggested by Christian couples themselves, who had gone through the miserable experience of a near break-up.

1. Renew your church vows

This does not mean that you have to go to church and be blessed again. This simply means that you go over the process of promising your partner "To love and to cherish her/him, till death will you part".

Hold your partner's hand and then repeat the words that you have said during your wedding vows.

If you have the financial means, then you can actually "get married" again in church with all the trimmings and the grandiose preparations.

2. Pray and read the Holy Bible together

One quotation that made a mark on most Christian families is this: "A family that prays together stays together." And how true! Praying together develops strong bonds and enhances relationships that are difficult to break.

When one prays, positive energy is attracted because of the positive vibes that one sends out in return.

When you know that a person is praying for you, you feel a kinship towards this person, because you know he/she means well. Good relationships start with good thoughts for each other.

3. Observe the Golden Rule

This is Christ's edict for all Christians: "Do unto others, what you like others, do unto you!" The Golden Rule. When you do something to your spouse, do you want him/her doing the same thing to you? If your answer is no, then don't do it!

Observing this very significant rule will pave the way for better understanding and forgiveness for past transgressions. When forgiveness is there, reconciliation follows and this will save the marriage from apparent break-up.

4. See Christ in everyone specially your spouse

If you see Christ in your spouse, I don't think you would do her/him wrong.

Christ said too, "Whatsoever you do the least of my brethren that you do unto me." If both of you and your spouse follow this adage, then your marriage would be saved without doubt.

5. Trust in Him who made all things possible

When you've done the things that you are supposed to do, and there is nothing more you could humanely do, then pray and leave it all up to Him. Stop worrying. Remember that what will happen next is His will.

Get a good night's sleep and free yourself of worries. Learn how to say: "Thy will be done, Lord."

All in all, these methods speak of Christ being the center of the relationship. Christ acts as the anchor into which both you and your spouse should hold on to.

Don't let go of that "Anchor"! Have a firm grip of His hands, and your marriage would sail smoothly - even through the rough seas of life!

[Smalcald]

Those are good. Also I think Christians need to quite thinking about divorce, it needs to be taken of the table as an option for Christians. Once you realize there are only two options, a good lifelong marriage or a bad lifelong marraige with this one person you can focus in on the things that would make it a good lifelong marriage.

[elkieDannsa' Air An Drochaid]

A lot of what was mentioned seems Biblical, we do want to pray together and see Christ in each other and remember all are created in God's Image and show Christ love all we can, with The Holy Spirit living in us; in God's Love this is certainly possible and wonderful. Reading the Bible together and not being shy to pray together as a family is good. Assuring our mate of our commitment and love and faithfulness is good in how we live and what we say and do.

One thing however I noticed in this thread was; quote: [When one prays, positive energy is attracted because of the positive vibes that one sends out in return.

When you know that a person is praying for you, you feel a kinship towards this person, because you know he/she means well. Good relationships start with good thoughts for each other.]

While it is good to have good thoughts toward one another, it is not Biblical to speak of positive or negative energy and vibes as such; that is actually new age speak. An example a lot of people say if we tell them there is hell or any Biblical warning or teaching that it is "negative" speaking, yet the Bible tells us to warn others, too. Or they say to send good thoughts or positive vibes and energy,that is not Christ.

I would not say "positive energy is attracted" It is the work of the Holy Spirit ,Whom is also God.

Sometimes I think people aren't realizing how the new age creeps in, with the energy and vibe stuff. Having been through a generation where the energy and vibe talk started I see it is still going on and it has not a place in Christian teaching, and usually is actually out side of all Christian teachings.

I do appreciate that you care about marriage as Christian commitment. That is very good. It is the Lord who holds us together and in HIM we have our being.

Best to you,

elkie

[Blien]

Those are good. Also I think Christians need to quite thinking about divorce, it needs to be taken of the table as an option for Christians. Once you realize there are only two options, a good lifelong marriage or a bad lifelong marraige with this one person you can focus in on the things that would make it a good lifelong marriage.

Indeed... I agree 100%

[Matthitjah]

Grace to you,

The Mystery of Marriage is bound up in the Mystery of God and His Church.

Once you understand Gods Love for His Church you will understand what it takes to make a Marriage work.

There's a reason they call it the Covenant of Marriage.

Ephesians 5 explains this Mystery.

It was this way in the beginning, "Therefore shall a man leave his parents and cleave unto his wife and the two shall become one flesh."

Ge

[Blien]

I don't get why you wrote, "Whosever believes on God shall not be ashamed." at the end.. could you explain that?

[Guest]

Don't let go of that "Anchor"!

Amen!

[Matthitjah]

I don't get why you wrote, "Whosever believes on God shall not be ashamed." at the end.. could you explain that?

Adam and Eve were joined together as One flesh and they lay bare (not just physically) before God and they were unashamed.

This is the Mystery of God.

[Rania]

Put your Christ-centered marriage ahead of your kids. They will benefit in the end.

And I agree with the poster above. Take the words divorce out of your house. As Christians, it's not an option.

[Believer1997]

The KEY element is a "CHRIST" centered marriage. Treat each other the way Jesus would have you treat people. Never forget that your spouse is also a child of God. Treat him/her the way you would treat an honored friend or guest. PRAY together - not just for each other, but Bible studies together and prayer together. FORGIVE - it's essential... people that we love so much will on occasion hurt our feelings - it's important to talk about it and Forgive and ask God to Heal it. I am in a Christian marriage 12 years on Sunday and it's the most amazing experience of my lifetime... it is a Gift from God. I never, ever take my beloved husband for granted and he is the same. I think it sometimes takes the experience of not being married to a Christian and having a bad marriage to make one appreciate being married to a Christian who lives his life by The Word of God.