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1 Thing That Will Strengthen Your Marriage Today

January 11, 2018 6 Comments

By: Kris Dolberry– General George Patton was a United States Army commander during World War II. Legend has it that near the end of the War, General Patton proclaimed, “We defeated the wrong enemy.” Most historians believe he was referring to his desire to turn attention toward the Russians instead of Germany. There are varying opinions as to whether he was correct in his assessment. But his statement could not be more descriptive of my observation of many marriages (including my own).

The Bible is clear that we have an enemy that is seeking destroy your marriage and take from you everything that you hold dear (John 10:10). But often in times of disagreement and tension, rather than recognizing the real enemy, spouses align their sights on each other. When we do this, the real enemy has us right where he wants us. He is wounding us and our marriage deeply, and all the while using us to do it to each other.

In marriage, we are not enemies. We are not even just allies. We are one flesh! Any wounds to one spouse is a wound to the other. Heed the advice of General Patton. Be careful to not defeat the wrong enemy. Because of the cross, the real enemy is already defeated. Fight together. Because of the cross, the victory is already yours.   

 

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Kris Dolberry is a pastor, speaker, writer, and trainer of leaders. After serving in pastoral leadership for 17 years, Kris now leads Ministry to Men at LifeWay and serves as Executive Editor of Stand Firm, a daily devotional magazine for men. Kris is husband to Vanessa and dad to Konnor, Emma, and Brady. They live outside Nashville, Tennessee.

Comments

  1. Carl Wright says

    January 13, 2018 at 9:35 pm

    What an important reminder Kris. Christian marriages are under attack. May we not defeat the wrong enemy.

    Reply
    • Kris Dolberry says

      January 16, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks Carl!

      Reply
  2. Brenda walker says

    February 14, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    Kris,
    I was so blessed to have been married to a wonderful man who demonstrated your words and our marriage was beautiful. No words speak a better truth than “one flesh”. Living life knowing that foundational truth is what propels a couple to deeper commitment to each other when life happens. Mark passed away 11 years ago this month and I am forever grateful for that truth being part of our life. B

    Reply
    • Kris Dolberry says

      February 14, 2018 at 1:12 pm

      Brenda, It’s so great to hear from you. Wish I could have met Mark. What a blessing he must have been! Miss you! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  3. Jacob Foster says

    February 14, 2018 at 8:39 pm

    Kris, thank you for these encouraging words, my strength in my life has just been greatly tested by nobodys fault but my own, my beautiful wife and mother of my 3 wonderful children is my rock, but we are missing Christ in not only our lives, but l have been neglecting to get him in their lives also, l strive from this day forward to be a father that our father wants me to be, sorry for rambling, but feeling driven and shameful at the same time!

    Reply
    • Kris Dolberry says

      February 15, 2018 at 8:54 am

      Man thanks for your honesty here! Sounds like you are making some important decisions for your faith and family. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

      Blessings,
      K

      Reply

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