Marriage advice

Gary Thomas wrote:

If there is one thing young engaged couples need to hear, it's that a good marriage is not something you find, it's something you work for. It takes struggle. You must crucify your selfishness. You must at times confront, and at other time confess. The practice of forgiveness is essential. This is undeniably hard work!
It helps when we view our struggles in light of what they provide for us spiritually rather than in light of what they take from us emotionally. Working through disagreements is taxing. There are a million things I'd rather do than put in the time and effort to leap over a relational hurdle. If I'm in my marriage for emotional stability, I probably won't last long. But if I think it can reap spiritual benefits, I'll have plenty of reasons to not just be married, but act married.
Marriage is both a gift and a task to be accomplished. Don't run from the struggles of marriage. Embrace them. Grow in them. Draw nearer to God because of them. Through them you will reflect more of the spirit of Jesus Christ. And thank God that he has placed you in a situation where your spirit can be perfected.[1]

## Notes[edit]

1. ↑ Sacred Marriage, Page 133