Christian Marriage Counseling
Unlike secular therapies, Christian marriage counseling is Christ-centered and employs biblical principles to help couples reconcile differences. Churches, religious organizations, and private practices offer programs to aid couples experiencing marital conflict. It is no secret that marriage is under attack among believers and non-believers. Statistics indicate that nearly half of new marriages among non-Christians and 25% of Christian unions will end in divorce before reaching the 10th anniversary. Clearly, the role of Christian marriage counseling is an important one if the sanctity of holy wedlock is to be preserved. But when conflicts arise between believers, an answer can always be found in the Word of God. Husbands and wives who have given their lives to God through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord should be able to hearken and obey the Word of God, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, marital conflicts can obscure the right way of God and lead believers down the dark path of divorce. Professional, yet Christ-centered counseling can bring couples back from the abyss of separation and marital dissolution. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).
Methods of Christian marriage counseling may initially include one-on-one sessions with each spouse to gain insight on how problematic issues are individually perceived. Husbands and wives in crises will not have the same perspective; but it is the job of a skilled therapist who not only applies practical theory but biblically-based doctrine to help couples come to a meeting of the minds. "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). The basis of marital harmony requires two walking together in agreement; and when counselors can get participants to feel the same, think the same, believe the same and hope for the same things, half the battle for a failing marriage is won. Couples may inevitably realize that "divorcing," or separating themselves from the hectic pace of every day living to attend a marriage retreat, workshop or seminar; rather than divorcing each other might just be the beginning of reconciliation. Many couples find that Christian marriage counseling is the catalyst to rekindle the flame of flawed marriage.
Other options for Christian marriage counseling may include two- or three-day retreats that allow couples an opportunity to reconnect with God and one another. A large part of a biblically-based retreat will focus on prayer, which is talking to God. As couples learn how to commune in prayer, they may experience spiritual renewal--sometimes the missing link in failed marriages. The more each spouse experiences not only a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but also an intimate spiritual relationship, the more apt they are to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide into all truth--even the truth about their marriage. Personal spiritual renewal enables husbands and wives to see one another with the eyes of God. Faultfinding, bitterness, resentment and unresolved anger dissipate when believers can look beyond the outer exterior of a loved one and see the Christ within. "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (I Peter 4:7-8). Drawing closer to God also gives spouses greater insight into their own frailties and character flaws, and reveals areas where improvements can be made.
Intensive Christian marriage counseling sessions are another option for troubled married couples on the brink of divorce. Unlike group meetings or encounters attended by five to ten couples at once, intensive sessions may be reserved for spouses to work exclusively with one therapist over the course of three to five days. While the cost for individualized attention may be considerably higher than attending a weekend marriage group encounter, the opportunity to rescue the marital relationship is well worth it. A more intensive curriculum might include Bible-based instruction and counseling, combined with prayer, meditation, journaling, role-playing, and couples exercises designed to help Christian spouses reconcile differences the biblical way.
Before enrolling in a Christian marriage counseling program, husbands and wives should surf the Internet for local or long distance offerings. An online search enables couples to compare programs and costs and determine which one best suits their situation. An organizational website may also offer testimonials from former attendees or blogs that give unbiased opinions on program offerings and their success. In an uncertain economy, cost is a major consideration. Couples on a budget may consider an affordable church-based program or workshop before investing in a more expensive venue. Husbands and wives facing dire marital issues may consider scheduling an intensive Christian counseling program to make every effort to reconcile in spite of the cost.
In the final analysis, Christian marriage counseling in any format is only as successful as the participants make it. Professional therapists, biblically-based instruction, intensive prayer, spiritual renewal, and couples exercises are only vehicles to facilitate reconciliation. But, the determining factor in mending marital breaches is the willingness of husbands and wives to allow the Holy Spirit to remove offenses, heal broken hearts, and renew closed minds. Spouses must be willing to forgive, forget and go on; forging past transgressions, wounded emotions, and trusting God to enable each of them to love again and to love unconditionally for the sake of holy matrimony. "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (I John 4:7-8). As Christian couples strive to come into agreement and renew their vows to love, cherish, honor, and even obey, Spirit-led reconciliation is highly possible.
Methods of Christian marriage counseling may initially include one-on-one sessions with each spouse to gain insight on how problematic issues are individually perceived. Husbands and wives in crises will not have the same perspective; but it is the job of a skilled therapist who not only applies practical theory but biblically-based doctrine to help couples come to a meeting of the minds. "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). The basis of marital harmony requires two walking together in agreement; and when counselors can get participants to feel the same, think the same, believe the same and hope for the same things, half the battle for a failing marriage is won. Couples may inevitably realize that "divorcing," or separating themselves from the hectic pace of every day living to attend a marriage retreat, workshop or seminar; rather than divorcing each other might just be the beginning of reconciliation. Many couples find that Christian marriage counseling is the catalyst to rekindle the flame of flawed marriage.
Other options for Christian marriage counseling may include two- or three-day retreats that allow couples an opportunity to reconnect with God and one another. A large part of a biblically-based retreat will focus on prayer, which is talking to God. As couples learn how to commune in prayer, they may experience spiritual renewal--sometimes the missing link in failed marriages. The more each spouse experiences not only a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but also an intimate spiritual relationship, the more apt they are to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide into all truth--even the truth about their marriage. Personal spiritual renewal enables husbands and wives to see one another with the eyes of God. Faultfinding, bitterness, resentment and unresolved anger dissipate when believers can look beyond the outer exterior of a loved one and see the Christ within. "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (I Peter 4:7-8). Drawing closer to God also gives spouses greater insight into their own frailties and character flaws, and reveals areas where improvements can be made.
Intensive Christian marriage counseling sessions are another option for troubled married couples on the brink of divorce. Unlike group meetings or encounters attended by five to ten couples at once, intensive sessions may be reserved for spouses to work exclusively with one therapist over the course of three to five days. While the cost for individualized attention may be considerably higher than attending a weekend marriage group encounter, the opportunity to rescue the marital relationship is well worth it. A more intensive curriculum might include Bible-based instruction and counseling, combined with prayer, meditation, journaling, role-playing, and couples exercises designed to help Christian spouses reconcile differences the biblical way.
Before enrolling in a Christian marriage counseling program, husbands and wives should surf the Internet for local or long distance offerings. An online search enables couples to compare programs and costs and determine which one best suits their situation. An organizational website may also offer testimonials from former attendees or blogs that give unbiased opinions on program offerings and their success. In an uncertain economy, cost is a major consideration. Couples on a budget may consider an affordable church-based program or workshop before investing in a more expensive venue. Husbands and wives facing dire marital issues may consider scheduling an intensive Christian counseling program to make every effort to reconcile in spite of the cost.
In the final analysis, Christian marriage counseling in any format is only as successful as the participants make it. Professional therapists, biblically-based instruction, intensive prayer, spiritual renewal, and couples exercises are only vehicles to facilitate reconciliation. But, the determining factor in mending marital breaches is the willingness of husbands and wives to allow the Holy Spirit to remove offenses, heal broken hearts, and renew closed minds. Spouses must be willing to forgive, forget and go on; forging past transgressions, wounded emotions, and trusting God to enable each of them to love again and to love unconditionally for the sake of holy matrimony. "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (I John 4:7-8). As Christian couples strive to come into agreement and renew their vows to love, cherish, honor, and even obey, Spirit-led reconciliation is highly possible.
Christian Marriage Counseling
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