No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Challenge]
Discussing Christian Ideas
Have you ever taken some quality time to discuss what you and your spouse value within the concept of being “Christian”? How does your marriage integrate “both” of your “ideas” while building something to last a lifetime, and also glorifying our Awesome God?
[First]
There are so many different things people discuss within the classification of “Christian”. Within every marriage where one or both “partners” profess the Christian faith, these concepts are often integrated in some way. We obtain our ideas from the Bible, local churches, and the diverse global Christian community.
You and your spouse may identify one or more differences concerning “faith”, which is understandable. Within every possible aspect of your “life” and “marriage”, a husband and wife team will undoubtedly notice areas of differences of opinion. Truly the most successful marriages today are those where both partners discuss everything, while identifying whatever means necessary to work together and support each other.
Maybe you should ask ourself what you really “need” and “expect” within your marriage. Consider your relationship an incredible experiment, or work-in-progress. Each and every single day brings new and exciting challenges for both of you. Be strong, even when times of trials and testing seem to be driving you to that breaking point.
[Second]
If you ever argue about something which seems ‘faith-based”, my best advice is to stop the “attack” immediately. Then, together prayerfully release your frustrations to God. All of that worry and anxiety is not worth losing your quality health nor your marriage.
When disagreement comes due to something one or both of you discovered written in the Bible, remember to only talk about it within a context of how you can “apply” and “live” it. Using the wisdom is good, but only if it benefits your life and marriage right now. Save those philosophical and theological discussions for a later time.
Anything else you can think of within the concept of “Christian” or “faith”, talk with your Creator. He loves hearing from His children. Consider taking some alone time and releasing yourself to our Loving God. By investing your time in “prayer”, you should feel better and possibly even gain some clarity around those differences you and your other half may be clinging to.
[Third]
Christians have some incredibly tools, including God’s Word (the Bible), prayer, and the Holy Spirit. Do you both read the Bible? Alone or together? Do you pray every day? Or just when stressed out? Do you attend a local church? Regularly? Remember, these are some valuable “resources” for help.
How about your friendships? Do you have any “shared” friends whom both of you can talk to about “anything”? You know, individuals or couples where you and your spouse are able to “trust” and “listen” to a “brother” or “sister” (in Christ) with truth, respect, and kindness?
Lastly, do not beat yourself up if you ever come to realize your “life” is less than perfect. Our Lord Jesus shed His blood to cleanse us from everything. So why worry about the past, the present, or the future? Trust the One who radical loves you, and wants the absolute very best for you. Including within your marriage, you love birds.
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)