Doing Good in A Difficult Marriage

"She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life." (Prov. 31:12)

As we study a topic like “doing your husband good,” I think of the women I know who are in difficult marriages. Maybe you are one of them. Maybe your husband has sinned against God and against you in significant ways and yet remains unrepentant. Your seemingly senseless situation poses the question: “How can God expect me to do good to my husband?”

For the answer, we must view such circumstances in light of the cross, where God the Father sacrificed His only Son. This event did not seem to make sense either. But out of Christ’s unspeakable suffering, God, in His perfect wisdom, provided salvation for mankind. If He has purchased our salvation through the suffering and sacrifice of His Son, can we not trust that He is working good in the midst of our suffering (Rom. 8:28)?

If you are in an exceptionally trying situation with your husband, I encourage you to pour out your heart to the Lord of love. He knows, He sees, and He hears; and though your tears may be lost on your husband, they are not lost on your heavenly Father. He is the compassionate Lord who urges us to draw near to Him so “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).

Although you may not understand, you can be sure your marriage has God’s loving inscription upon it. God’s unerring wisdom has ordained your relationship with your husband—for your good and for Christ’s glory. Look to God for strength to endure, for the Lord promises that He will husband you (Isa. 54:5-6). God will renew your strength so you will not grow weary in doing good to your husband.

And you do not know what the Lord has planned for your future. Your doing good to your husband could be the very means God uses to soften his heart toward you and toward Himself.

I hope that as we continue this little series you will be encouraged to persevere in doing your husband good, for the glory of God, and in the strength that He provides.