This book is for married Christian men and women who are struggling with their partners' perceived wrongdoing: from blatant, obvious sins, such as adultery or tax evasion, to subtler issues, such as a refusal to cooperate or a failure to shoulder his or her share of family responsibilities. It is written for those who know marriage is sometimes hard, and that it takes maturity to handle disappointments that occur within the marital relationship. It will help all those who desire to grow closer in their relationship with God in spite of and because of a difficult marriage. This book can be used during pre-marital discussion classes, "Young Married" Sunday school classes, and in marriage mentoring relationships.
Experience the Blessings of an Imperfect Marriage. We all–at one time or another–have the opportunity to act right when our spouse acts wrong. There are no perfect marriages or perfect spouses. We know that having a good marriage requires effort and hard work. Yet we often don’t know how to continue to love when we are angry, hurt, scared, or just plain irritated. Nor are we sure what that kind of love is supposed to look like. Should we be patient? Forgive and forget? Do something else entirely?
Acting right when your spouse acts wrong will not necessarily guarantee a more satisfying marital relationship, nor will it automatically make your spouse change his or her ways–although both could occur. It will, however, help you see how God is stretching you in the midst of your marital difficulties, teach you to respond wisely when wronged, and lead you into a deeper relationship with Christ as you yield your will to his plan for your life and learn to be more like him.