Two Sides to a Failing Marriage
by Dr. Gary Chapman

Have you spent many hours blaming your spouse for wrecking your marriage?  This is often the response especially when a spouse has been unfaithful.  But always there are two sides.   

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter seven?  He said that we were first to deal with our own failures then we can address the failures of the other person.  I know this is difficult, especially when we feel that our spouse really is the problem.  But we are always better to follow the teachings of Jesus.

So, why not ask God to show you where you have failed in the marriage?  It is a prayer that God will answer.  Then confess your failures to God and then to your spouse.  In so doing you are dealing honestly with your part in the marital failure.   

Your spouse may not immediately reciprocate, but at least you have opened the door to the possibility of reconciliation.   

You have modeled for them what they also need to do.  You cannot make them repent.  That is a decision that only they can make, but you have made it easier for them by your own confession.

Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman.  Based on the book,  Hope for the Separated by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishing.  For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here.