Episode highlights:
- Ask a lot of questions. Prov 18:13
- This is very likely a symptom of a deeper issue.
- Encourage them to identify other issues in the marriage and talk to their spouse about those issues.
- Encourage them to get counseling.
Episode 56: My teenager wants to date. What counsel can you give regarding whether or when this is appropriate?
Episode highlights:
- This is a wisdom issue. Therefore, there is plenty of room for disagreement.
- Whether a teen should date will depend upon the maturity of the teen.
- There may be value in training a teen in this area while they are still under your authority. Eph 6:4
- Older, mature teens who care about godliness could be allowed to date with close supervision and clear guidelines.
Episode 55: I have been sinned against by a friend of mine in the church. I feel like I should confront the individual, but I’ve never done it before and I’m afraid. What is the best way to go about it?
Episode highlights:
- Seeking reconciliation is the responsibility of both parties. Matt 18:15-17; 5:23-24
- Deal with your own heart first. Matt 7:3-5; Matt 12:17-21
- Before making an accusation, ask questions to confirm that a sin was committed. Prov 18:13, 17
- Give a gentle admonition from Scripture.
Episode 54: How do I balance my needs/desires with the needs/desires of my spouse without one of us being selfish?
Episode highlights:
- It is not inherently selfish to want something; a desire becomes selfish when I insist on it. 1 Cor 13:5
- I should be more concerned about what the Lord commands me to do than what He commands others to do. Matt 7:3-5
- God gives to both spouses unconditional commands to give. Eph 5:22-25
- The commonly held meet-in-the-middle ethic for marriage is a recipe for disaster.
- Quality time is not a preference issue and should be pursued for the health of the marriage.
Episode 53: I would love to know why the Bible does not address what to do when there is abuse in a marriage. The Bible is clear that adultery is the only acceptable reason for divorce, but how would you counsel someone who is being abused in marriage?
Episode highlights:
- There are two biblical reasons for ending a marriage – sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. Matt 19:9; 1 Cor 7:15
- Just like dealing with any other sin, God does give us principles for dealing with abuse in marriage.
- In cases of physical abuse, God’s ordained authorities should be informed and involved. Matt 18:15-17; Rom 13:1-5
- Though Scripture does not allow for divorce in cases of abuse, separation is consistent with God’s care for the defenseless.
Episode 52: My husband and I are dealing with infertility problems. The doctor wants a sample from my husband. What is a godly alternative to the sinful ways clinics typically acquire these samples?
Episode highlights:
- Masturbation is wrong because it violates God’s principles for sexuality. 1 Cor 7:3-4
- The best course is to tell the doctor about your convictions and ask for alternatives.
- If the doctor will not allow other alternatives, find another doctor.
Episode 51: How should Christians view their responsibility to steward their body in regards to diet and nutrition?
Episode highlights:
- The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 6:19-20
- Gluttony is sin. (Pro 23:20; 28:7). Being overweight is not.
- We should not push our conscience on others regarding specific food choices. (Col 2:16; Rom 14:3; 1 Tim 4:1-4)
- It is a profitable, virtuous thing to take care of one’s body. (1 Tim 4:8; Prov 31:17) However, it is difficult to define for ourselves or others what it means to be “fit.” It should be left to the individual conscience.
