Marriage Focus by MarriageVine
 

Church As a Marital Priority
 
by Dr. Gary Chapman  

  

Now You're Speaking My Language 

This week we have been talking about priorities and how they affect marriage.  We have looked at God, family, and vocation.  Today we look at involvement in the church. 

 

God established the church as a spiritual family.  When we come to God, He places us in the church.  He has uniquely gifted each of us to play an important role. We are responsible for how we use our abilities.  Some have the ability to teach, to sing, to show mercy, to care for children, to give. Working together we accomplish God's purposes through the church.

 

How does this affect marriage?  First, I should be encouraging my spouse to be active in a place of service.  I should be helping with the children to make this possible.  Second, I should also find my place in the church family.  And third, I must not neglect my marriage and family while serving in the church. 

 

There are seasons to life.  I need not to the same thing forever.  When my children need more attention, then I may need to do less at church and more at home.  The key is balance.  We have time to do everything that God wants us to do.

 

 

Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman.  Based on the book, Now You're Speaking My Language by Gary Chapman. Published by Broadman and Holman. For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here    

 


Restoring Trust
 
by Dr. Gary Chapman 

 

Now You're Speaking My Language 

I'm willing to forgive, but can I ever trust my spouse again? 


Trust is like a tender plant.  If watered and fed it will growth into a strong plant.  But if it is battered, ignored, or stepped upon, it will bend and even break.  In a relationship, we lose trust when the spouse betrays us.  But trust can be reborn, if the spouse confesses wrong and asks forgiveness.  But trust will not grow  strong unless the spouse from that point, becomes trustworthy.  If he tells the truth.  If he does what is right, then her trust will grow. 

 

If you are trying to rebuild the trust of your spouse, then you must focus on being trustworthy. 

 

You must be willing to invite the inspection of your spouse.  You

have nothing to hide.   Every time your spouse finds you keeping your promise, their trust grows.

 

I suggest that in order to be trustworthy, you will need the help of God.  Old patterns are not broken by human desire, but by divine power.  God wants to enable you to be a man or woman of integrity.  When this happens, your spouse will trust you again and marital intimacy will return.

 


 

 

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

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