Ever since I entered into ministry work, I’ve been dismayed to witness marriage after marriage struggling with unresolved conflict. Many believe that no matter how horrible the marriage is – even if there’s abuse – no one should ever divorce, but work through the conflict.
In a perfect world where BOTH partners are actually working through their issues, this would apply. However, we don’t live in a perfect world. And abuse isn’t always getting punched or slapped around. Abuse comes in all forms including emotional, mental and spiritual abuse, and sifting through the patterns is necessary to identify the roots of the problem and whether or not the abuser is willing to recognize the abuse and correct the problem. If he/she is not willing to look at their own issues, then their partner is left with a choice – continue in a marriage of pain and torment, or leave and build a new life.
Watch Part 1 of The Emotionally Destructive Marriage
There is a gold mine of encouragement, information, instruction, wisdom, and practicality in Leslie Vernick’s videos and books. I highly recommend visiting her YouTube channel and subscribing to her email list. Her gentle but wise delivery gives listeners compassionate and Biblical narratives on how to set boundaries, and what to do if you are in an abusive relationship and more. Be sure to visit her website and subscribe to her newsletters. I know you’ll want to share!