We’re told in the Bible, that when we marry, “For this reason” we are to “leave” the primary allegiance we had with our mother, father and “cleave” to our spouse. We are “no longer as two” but were are to be as “one.” In other words, after wedding vows are Read More…
Living with your in laws (parents), or having them live with you, is a complicated situation. This is particularly true for those of you who live in parts of the world where this is a common cultural practice. This may work out fine in some households. However, some of you Read More…
In-law relationships need a touch of civility. Consider the story of Stephanie, who complained, “My mother-in-law never approves of the way I do anything. The last time Joe and I visited her it happened again. Just trying to be nice and helpful, I washed all the pots and pans after Read More…
“How can married Christians, deal graciously with problematic siblings and sibling in laws?” That is the question we’d like to address. Each year, we receive quite a few emails, sent to us from those who are married. Many of them are encountering difficulties in dealing with sibling in laws. The Read More…
Failing to leave your parents hurts them in the long run as well as your mate and yourself. Agree together on a mutual plan to leave the authority of your parents. And then you must truly cleave to your mate. Here are several suggestions for truly leaving your parents’ authority Read More…
“Parents and their married children can resolve differing points of view in a mature and gracious manner,” says Dr. Howard Hendricks. Parents will find the following guidelines helpful in avoiding such conflicts. It will keep their in law relationships strong and healthy. Pause it will contribute to the success of Read More…
Regarding her married children, one mother said, “Lord, give me the wisdom to bite my tongue.” Our hope for parents is that you trust the Lord with your children so that you won’t need to bite your tongue. Let them make some mistakes (by your standards). Parents tend to give Read More…
Does it appear that you married your spouse’s family when you married your spouse? That is the situation being questioned here. Gary and Carrie Oliver address this situation: Question Concerning Spouse’s Family: My wife and I have had fifteen years of struggle over how much loyalty we should hold toward each Read More…
The following is a question that was answered by Jay Kessler. It concerns a mother in law who needs to back off: Question Concerning Mother In Law: My mother-in-law seems to have so much sway with my husband, more than I have sometimes. Recently we were considering a career move Read More…
I was reading an article a while back titled, “In Love With My In Laws” in a copy I purchased of Marriage Partnership Magazine. In it the author, Renae Bottom, wrote something I can relate to. It’s one that many couples can’t but others, including myself and my husband can. I love Read More…
