from Pastor George Sasso, CCCH Marriage & Family Ministry
with Kurt Bruner, The Center for Strong Families
Those who marry will have troubles. That’s what Paul told the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7:28). Even the best couples can struggle to protect their marriage vows. But what happens when marriage troubles become unbearable? Is there a point at which couples should end a bad marriage? Or is there hope for something better? Walk through the following steps as you prayerfully evaluate your situation.
Unfortunately, many marriages end today over troubles that could have been overcome. University of Texas researcher Norval Glenn has found that divorces today are often blamed on problems such as “lack of commitment,” “too much conflict and arguing,” “unrealistic expectations” and “lack of preparation.” These are problems that couples can and should work to overcome. Despite what friends, family or popular culture might say, these issues are no reason to end a marriage—especially in light of the serious long-term impact of divorce on your children.
In their book, The Case for Marriage, Maggie Gallagher and Linda Waite explain that couples who think their only options are to either divorce or be miserable often find things getting better if they’ll just stick it out. In fact, almost eighty percent of those who were very unhappy in their marriage yet stayed together described themselves as very happy just five years later!
Major trouble occurs when someone either abuses or abandons their role in a marriage—when they break faith with their spouse and violate their vows. While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), He permits it for marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:1-8). In God’s grace, He allows men and women whose spouses have been unfaithful to start over.
However, God is in the business of helping couples redeem what many would see as a hopeless situation. “Even marriages that have faced one or more of the big ‘A’s—abuse, affairs or addictions—can be saved,” says Mitch Temple, a licensed counselor who directs Focus on the Family’s marriage ministry.
Temple has led numerous intensive counseling sessions with couples that faced these major challenges and even though they had Biblical grounds for divorce they found a way to save their marriages.
If your relationship is marked by physical abuse, you may find yourself confused, frightened and unsure about what to do. The most important thing you can do right now is take steps to protect yourself and your children from harm. Even if you want to save your marriage, you should not risk the safety of your children or yourself. A period of structured and therapeutic separation may be needed and can make it possible for you to get the help your marriage needs while making your family less vulnerable.
Whatever situation you’re in, don’t struggle through a difficult marriage alone. You need the church body like never before—for perspective and advice, counseling and encouragement, and hope for God’s redemption. Take advantage of the Going Further resources and services, listed on the back of this brochure.
It should be noted that Calvary Chapel Chino Hills does not necessarily endorse any particular resource and the entirety of its content.
Available from the CCCH Bookstore
Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Shows that cracking the communication code between husband and wife involves understanding one thing: that unconditional respect is as powerful for him as unconditional love is for her. www.loveandrespect.com.
Breaking the Cycle of Divorce by Dr. John Trent
Helps those who had no model of marriage stability break the cycle by creating a successful relationship.
Boundaries in Marriage by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend Shows couples how to apply the 10 laws of boundaries that can make a real difference in relationships by learning when to say yes and when to say no.
Love Must be Tough by Dr. James Dobson
Offers hope for marriages in crisis—including those who have an unfaithful spouse.
The Art of Marriage This video series brings a fresh approach by weaving together some elements to help couples fully experience God’s design for marriage. CCCH offers this once a year. Go to www.familylife.org and search for Art of Marriage for more information.
Www.focusonthefamily.org contains articles, Q&A, resources and referrals related to family problems. Search for the features on “Physical and Verbal Abuse” and the various topics under “Relationships” that address dealing with a troubled marriage.
Biblical Guidance:
CCCH offers biblical guidance. Please call the church office to set up an appointment to meet with a Pastor or Women’s Ministry Leader to discuss your situation.