Remedy for the success of Christian marriages

DIVORCE RATES around the world are alarming! Divorce rates among Christians are even more alarming, for obvious reasons! “While some studies suggest that Christians have a lower divorce rate than the general population, others indicate that the divorce rate among Christians is similar to, or even higher than, the national average” Really? Such a shame!

For the record, Christians are classified as human beings who are “born again” and are expected/claim to adhere to the teachings of the Bible. The Bible is revered by the Christian as the only book that contains the truth about the desired relationships between mankind, his Creator and his fellowman. The Christian believes that, unless the guidelines that govern human relationships are strictly followed, not only will he displease his Maker, but he will deny himself special benefits earmarked for him by God.

Today, I am narrowing my topic to Christian marriages and the simple remedy for their success. Some researchers say that the divorce rate among Christians varies because of several factors, including denomination, geographic location, and cultural contexts. Reality.

Other factors contributing to divorce among Christians, they claim, are:

· Lack of communication and conflict resolution skills

· Financial stress

· Lack of spiritual unity

· Unrealistic expectations

Poor communication and conflicts can lead to marital problems. Financial difficulties can put a strain on marriages. Differences in spiritual values or practices can create tension in a marriage. Unrealistic expectations when entering a marriage can lead to disappointment and frustration. While all of that is true, their absence does guarantee a successful Christian marriage! What, then, is the problem?

How about both parties having frequent date nights, having daily devotions, going shopping together, being very transparent, attending church as a family, and not missing an opportunity to celebrate each other’s birthday and their anniversaries? Can those guarantee marital success? We’ll see.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT COULD HELP TO SLOW THE DIVORCE RATE AMONG CHRISTIANS:

· Both partners share a strong Christian faith and commitment to God

· Supporting each other’s walk with God

· Regular prayer and worship

· Commitment, and loyalty to one another

· Open communication

· Support and encouragement for each other’s aspirations

· Commitment to monogamy and faithfulness

· Responsible management of resources, finances, and time

· Engaging with their community

· Growth and intimacy

Those are definite winners, but I here posit the best remedy for the lame Christian marriage – been wanting to do all along. The Bible has laid down guidelines for the successful marriage. Where these are adhered to anywhere in the world, especially among Christians, there will be zero divorce. I repeat, zero divorce! It is so simple that most Christians would overlook it, and many have, as they relentlessly seek solutions to their marital maladies elsewhere, to no avail, like the “woman with the issue of blood”.

Here is the key to a never-to-part-until-death marriage: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it…” These verses are in the very Bible that Christians revere. Sadly, many will not follow these guidelines, even as their relationship pines away.

Where the husband loves his wife and the wife submits to her husband, they are bonded for life. Nothing else works, my friend. Designed by God himself, there could be no better design. Just obey and you are on your way.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud ... therefore, what God has joined together, let no one put asunder.” All the best.

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