Marriage and Family

Recently a man in a struggling marriage asked me how to become a godly husband. My first thought was, “You’ve just taken the first step—knowing you need to be a godly husband and asking for help.”

Decisions about dating, and considering whether someone is a person you could commit yourself to in marriage, are tough. You really need the help of an older, wiser, godly mentor who knows you well and can talk these issues through with you. 

Nanci and I pray together every night at bedtime, with pretty much no exceptions. We both are in the Word during the day, but usually at different times and places. We seek to share what we’re learning, and it's rich when we do, but it’s also true there is nothing like devotions together as a couple.

I am basing my counsel to you on what you have told me: that your husband has confessed his adulterous affair to God and to you, has repented of his sins and placed his faith in Jesus, and desires to reconcile with you.

Men, one of the best possible things we can do for our wives and children (and ourselves!) is to share with them great resources to help them grow in Christ.

I would challenge men to be the spiritual leaders of their homes. What does that look like on a daily basis? Open God’s Word with your wife, your children, and your grandchildren. Pray with them, talk with them, and guide them. 

Question from a reader:

After 16 years of cruel, emotional, mental, and illegal abuse ending in divorce by desertion from an unbeliever, may I (the victim) ever remarry? First Corinthians 7:15 says that I am no longer under bondage, but does it mean I may remarry? I am so burdened about this. Please will you give me some insight?

What Shauna Hernandez, a beloved member of our EPM team, has to share here is wise, insightful, and transparent. I think it’s helpful not only for newlyweds, but also those who’ve been married for many years.

Families are God’s precious gift to us, and they require our attention even in days of pressure and busyness. Here are three verses about wives and children, followed by some links to resources.