Victory In Christ

I once served as a marriage counselor for a ministry. One husband shared this:

“My wife can say the most hurtful things to me, and it’s called ‘honesty or speaking her truth.’ But if I respond, it’s called ‘abuse or narcissism.’ I’m told I’m a terrible husband, just like my father, that she wishes she never married me or that she ‘married the wrong person.’ She expresses her feelings, but I don’t get to defend mine.

The moment I say anything back—or even raise my voice slightly because I’m tired of being criticized, prodded, or blamed— I’m labeled the one with the anger problem. I’m toxic. I’m not enough. She doesn’t realize I have feelings too. If there’s an argument, she’s always right.”

Sound familiar? We all have our own issues. But a husband cannot change his wife any more than she can change her husband. The answer is God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, patience, and grace working in both hearts.

“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.” — Proverbs 21:19

“A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.” — Proverbs 27:15

“It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a fine house.” — Proverbs 25:24

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” — Colossians 3:19.