In every disagreement and every triumph, we are reminded that our purpose as parents is not only to guide our children, but to grow together in love, faith, and grace.
As we reflect on our journey of marriage and parenting, we’ve learned that one of the most powerful ways God works in our relationship is through the shared responsibility of raising our children. It’s a beautiful calling, but it’s also full of challenges that can sometimes lead to conflict. We’ve had our fair share of disagreements, especially when it comes to how we handle certain parenting moments. But through these conflicts, we’ve also seen how our faith and Christian principles can shape our marriage in profound ways.
1. Embracing Humility in Our Differences
We’ve discovered that when we approach parenting with humility, we’re able to navigate disagreements much more peacefully. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We’ve learned to listen to each other, trying to understand the heart behind the other person’s viewpoint. Whether we agree or not, it’s important to remember that we’re on the same team—both wanting what’s best for our children. Humility and a willingness to understand each other’s perspective have been key in finding common ground.
2. Praying for Wisdom Together
Parenting has taught us how much we need God’s guidance. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” When we’ve faced tough parenting decisions, we’ve found that praying together brings peace and clarity. It’s been humbling to realize that we don’t have all the answers, but we serve a God who does. Prayer strengthens our marriage by drawing us closer to God and to each other as we seek His will.
3. Respecting Each Other’s Roles
We’ve learned that our individual strengths complement one another when it comes to parenting. There are times when we approach situations differently, but we’ve learned to respect each other’s unique gifts and roles in raising our children. Ephesians 5:21 reminds us, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This mutual respect for each other’s parenting style has built trust and deepened our bond. It’s a beautiful reminder that marriage isn’t about one person leading the way but about partnering together in love and humility.
4. Keeping the Big Picture in Mind
It’s easy to get caught up in the little struggles and disagreements, but we’ve learned to focus on the bigger picture. Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” We’ve realized that parenting isn’t just about managing behavior—it’s about nurturing the hearts of our children to know and love God. This perspective helps us stay united in our purpose, even when we don’t see eye to eye on every detail.
5. Choosing Forgiveness and Grace
Like any marriage, we’ve had our moments of frustration and disagreement, but we’ve learned that forgiveness is essential. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” We’ve found that when we forgive quickly and let go of resentment, our marriage grows stronger. Parenting doesn’t always go as planned, but extending grace to each other has helped us move forward, always striving to honor God in our relationship and our parenting.
Together for marriage,
Mike & Holly
