‘Love…endures through every circumstance.’ 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT

When Ed and Alice went for marriage counselling the therapist asked Alice, ‘What first attracted you to Ed?’ She replied, ‘His strong, silent ways.’ The counsellor continued, ‘So why do you want a divorce?’ Alice answered, ‘His strong, silent ways!’ Sometimes what drew us together ends up a major irritant. In every relationship there are times when it seems it would be easier to quit than to hang in. But short of physical and emotional abuse, there are advantages to working through your issues: (1) Emotional benefits. Contrary to what Hollywood’s culture would have us believe, divorced people are more likely to feel depressed due to loneliness. In fact, many say although there were disagreements in the relationship, they miss having somebody to come home to. (2) Health benefits. Emotional stress leads to physical problems, and being in a relationship, especially a good marriage, can be beneficial for your health. It’s like having your own nurse or therapist. (3)Community benefits. What your kids see influences their future choices. Staying in your marriage teaches them how to work through relationship challenges. Couples with strong marriages are helping to build a nation of loving, responsible parents who can guide their children onto the right track. ‘Love… endures through every circumstance.’ Author Christy Scannell says, ‘When [we] got married, we agreed it was for life… Weeks before our wedding we made a pact to work out whatever problems came our way… Yes, we fight. We accuse… but we won’t be moving out or filing papers… whatever happens we’re staying.’

SoulFood: 2 Chr 25–28, John 13:31–38, Ps 118:1–9, Pro 27:23–27

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©