You can’t change your spouse. So what do you do if your marriage is in a desperate place?
Many couples believe there are just two choices:
- Stay and be miserable for the rest of your life.
- Get out while you can and hope to find happiness somewhere down the line.
Dr. Gary Chapman says there’s a third option: With God’s help and with godly counsel from others, positively influence your marriage by creating possibilities for your spouse to change his or her behavior.
Although it’s a myth that you can change your spouse, you can influence him or her. You already do – for good or for bad – every single day. If you take the right approach, you can be intentional about positively influencing your spouse toward change.
How? Dr. Chapman is with me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to explain.
He’ll dispel other myths as well, like the idea that criticism will influence positive change. Or that your environment ultimately determines the state of your marriage. Or that your spouse is responsible for your well-being.
Dr. Chapman speaks fom experience when he says that no marriage is beyond hope and restoration. No matter how desperate the situation, he offers practical help and hope that, with God’s help, you can have a strong, healthy marriage.
Learn how to open your hearts to each other and bring synergy to your needs, desires, and expectations as a couple. Join us for my full conversation with Dr. Chapman on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or listen on our free phone app.
If your marriage is struggling and you need help to get it back on track, we have counselors available on staff who can give you an initial consultation then refer you to someone in your local area. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
And if your marriage is on the brink of divorce, call us for information regarding our Hope Restored marriage intensives, which can go a long way toward facilitating healing between you and your spouse and bringing restoration to your relationship. The intensives take place in five locations:
- Branson, Missouri
- Greenville, Michigan
- The WinShape Retreat Center in Rome, Georgia
- Cave Creek, Arizona
- Wimberley, Texas
The number for Hope Restored is 1-866-875-2915. Or visit online.
Dr. Chapman’s book Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away: Real Help for Desperate Hearts in Difficult Marriages is available for a gift of any amount. Click here for more information.
