Theology School

Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, and it is intended to be a lifelong commitment that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church. However, in today\’s society, troubled marriages are increasingly common, and many couples find themselves struggling with issues such as communication breakdown, infidelity, financial stress, and lack of intimacy. As Christians, it is important to approach troubled marriages from a biblical perspective and seek guidance from God\’s word and the Holy Spirit.

The first step in addressing troubled marriages is to recognise that all marriages face challenges, and no relationship is perfect. The Bible teaches that marriage is a union between two imperfect individuals who are called to love and support each other through the good times and the bad. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus says, \”What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.\” This verse highlights the sanctity of marriage and emphasises the importance of working through problems rather than giving up on the relationship.

When faced with a troubled marriage, the first step is to pray and seek God\’s guidance through the the Holy Spirit. Prayer is a powerful tool that can help individuals gain clarity and discernment about their situation. In John 14:26, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a counselor and guide, saying, \”But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.\” This verse highlights the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit\’s guidance when facing difficult situations.

In addition to prayer, it is important to seek counseling from a trusted Christian counselor who is also guided by the Holy Spirit. A Christian counselor can help couples identify the root cause of their issues and provide guidance on how to overcome them. They can also offer biblical advice and support, helping couples to navigate the challenges of marriage from a faith-based perspective.

One of the key aspects of troubled marriages is communication breakdown. The Bible emphasises the importance of communication in relationships, and it teaches that we should speak truthfully and with kindness through the work of the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 4:15, it says, \”Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.\” This verse highlights the importance of speaking truthfully but also doing so with love and respect. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, couples can learn to communicate effectively and build stronger relationships.

In conclusion, troubled marriages are a reality in today\’s society, but as Christians, we have access to God\’s word and guidance through the work of the Holy Spirit to help us navigate these challenges. By seeking prayer, counselling, and biblical advice guided by the Holy Spirit, couples can work through their issues and strengthen their relationship. While it may not always be easy, the Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant that is worth fighting for, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, couples can overcome even the most difficult challenges.

Infidelity is another common issue in troubled marriages, and it can cause significant emotional pain and damage to the relationship. The Bible teaches that marriage is meant to be a monogamous relationship between a man and a woman, and infidelity is a betrayal of that covenant. In Proverbs 6:32-33, it says, \”He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.\” This verse highlights the destructive nature of adultery and emphasises the importance of remaining faithful to one\’s spouse through the relationship empowered by the Holy Spirit.