Marital issues are inevitable in marriages, you can be face with either of the marital issues but how you manage it determine your destination. Marriage, often described as a sacred union between two individuals, plays a pivotal role in the tapestry of a happy relationship in humans especially couple. For many, the Bible is a guiding light in this sacred journey, offering wisdom and insight into the complex terrain of matrimony. However, biblical marriage isn’t devoid of challenges. In this article, we will embark on a journey through the scriptures to unearth the issues that couples may encounter in their biblical marriages and discover the wisdom and guidance the Bible offers to address them.
Eight Marital Issues and its Biblical Wisdom in settling it
Marital issues encompass a broad range of challenges that couples may encounter throughout their journey together. The wisdom and guidance of the Bible can be a valuable resource for couples facing these complex marital issues. The marital issues includes;
1. Communication and Conflict Resolution
In any marriage, communication is the lifeblood that sustains the relationship. However, miscommunication and conflicts are common challenges that biblical couples face.
Biblical Wisdom: The Bible advises us to communicate with kindness and humility. Matthew 18:15-17 encourages direct communication when issues arise, with the ultimate goal of reconciliation.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
2. Infidelity and Adultery
Infidelity can inflict deep wounds on a marriage, shattering the trust and intimacy that it was built upon.
Biblical Wisdom: The Bible sternly condemns adultery and encourages marital fidelity. The Ten Commandments explicitly state, “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14). It underscores the sacredness of the marital covenants.
3. Communication and Intimacy
Love is foundational in biblical marriages, and intimate communication is essential for nurturing emotional and physical closeness.
Biblical Wisdom: The “Song of Songs” is a testament to the importance of intimacy within marriage. It celebrates the emotional and physical bonds between spouses, highlighting the depth of their love.
“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Solomon 6:3)
4. Financial Issues
Financial challenges can strain marriages, leading to stress and conflicts over money matters.
Biblical Wisdom: The Bible offers guidance on financial stewardship within marriage. It encourages good financial management, avoiding debt, and providing for one’s family.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
5. Roles and Submission
Understanding and embracing the biblical roles of husbands and wives can sometimes be a point of contention in marriages.
Biblical Wisdom: Ephesians 5:22-33 provides guidance on the roles of husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual submission, respect, and love within the marital relationship.
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:22, 25)
6. Parenting and Family Issues
Raising children and managing familial dynamics can be a source of both joy and stress.
Biblical Wisdom: Proverbs offers insights into effective parenting, advising parents to “train up a child in the way he should go,” instilling values and guidance for a virtuous life (Proverbs 22:6).
7. Crisis and Grief
Couples may face personal crises or collective grief, which can strain the bonds of marriage.
Biblical Wisdom: In such times, the Bible encourages seeking comfort and strength in faith and community support. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
8. Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Forgiveness is central in the Bible, and it is emphasized in the context of marriage as well.
Biblical Wisdom: Couples are encouraged to forgive one another, seeking reconciliation and renewal of their love.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13)
Conclusion: A Journey through Challenges
Biblical marriage is a profound journey, replete with joys and challenges. Communication, intimacy, trust, roles, parenting, financial stewardship, and crisis management are facets that biblical couples navigate. The Bible provides invaluable guidance for addressing these issues, emphasizing love, respect, forgiveness, and faith in times of trials. Ultimately, a biblical marriage is a tapestry woven with threads of love, understanding, and spiritual connection, guided by the wisdom of the scriptures. With faith and commitment, couples can find strength to navigate the challenges that arise and emerge with their love and unity strengthened.
