April 15, 2008

Taking Constructive Action

Authentic relationships require honesty. Bill said to his wife Martha, “I have felt for a long time that you don’t love me. I have felt that you demand many things from me, but give me little of your affection. So, I feel angry and cold toward you. I pray that we can learn to be open and work through our problems. I do not want to be controlled by my negative feelings.”

Was this painful for Martha to hear? Absolutely, but Bill is giving her valuable information. If she wants to restore the marriage, she will choose to listen and seek to understand his feelings. If she allows her own defensive feelings to control her, they will simply have another fight. Listening leads to understanding.

Today's A Growing Marriage Daily content has been written by Dr. Gary Chapman and is based on the book Hope for the Separated by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishers, copyright 2005. Used by permission.