"But it was not this way from the beginning," Jesus reminds us in Matthew 19:8.   

A stubborn and hardened heart is never God's design for a husband and wife - it never has been and never will be.  It is in this passage that we find the basis for what we call The Marriage Miracle:   

If two hardened hearts will destroy a marriage, then two softened hearts will heal a marriage.

Stop and consider this question: Is there any hurt, disappointment, violation, abuse, broken promise, or betrayal in a marriage that two softened hearts ultimately cannot heal?   

If each person connects with their spouse's heart - maybe for the first time in their marriage - there is no issue that cannot be resolved.  

Meeting Needs 
by Dr. Gary Chapman

It has been my observation through the years that many husbands simply do not understand the needs of their wives.  Conversely, many wives do not understand the needs of their husbands.  In their ignorance, they make little effort to meet each others needs.

Some husbands believe that if they work at a steady job and bring home a decent salary, they have completed their role as a husband.  Some wives believe that if they cook a meal now and then, do the laundry, and wash the baby's face - that's it.  He should be happy.  What's  wrong with the man?

The fact is, we all have needs.  This is part of what motivates us to get married.  When these needs are not met over a period of time, we tend to get irritable.  Irritation brings criticism and criticism brings counter-attack.  So, we find ourselves fighting rather than seeking to meet needs.  This week we are going to look at marriage as a "mutual aid society".

Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman.  Based on the book, The Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishing.  For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here.