Q:
We've had a lot of financial problems in the last year, and the worst part about it is that it's tearing our marriage apart. No matter what we talk about, it ends up in an argument about money and what we've done wrong. Maybe you have some suggestions on how we can get out of this, because I sure want to.
A:
Almost nothing can cause more conflicts in a marriage than arguments about money – and I suspect this is especially true during these days of economic crisis. No wonder the Bible warns us not to put money at the center of our lives, because “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Let me suggest three steps you and your husband need to take to get your lives – and your marriage – back on track. First, don’t spend time and energy dredging up the past. Arguing about what happened (and who was responsible for it) doesn’t solve anything – and will only make you more upset. You can’t change the past; you can only learn from it.
Second, be thankful and content with what you have. Many have far less than you do, no matter what’s happened to your finances. I know this may not be easy to do – but a thankful spirit will help you overcome bitterness and envy.
Finally, put your lives – including your finances – into God’s hands. God loves you; He loves you so much that He sent His Son into the world to give His life for you. Ask Christ to come into your lives and become the center of your marriage, and then ask Him to help you work together to overcome your financial problems.