Relationship
7 things Easter story teaches about marriage, relationships
This time of the year, we reflect quite a bit on the Easter story—the story of Christ’s betrayal, His sacrifice, His death, and ultimately, the Resurrection that changed the course of history and mankind’s relationship with the Creator.
But what does this have to do with marriage or relationships?
If marriage or relationships were meant to reflect the image of God, then there is no better example than Christ, the living embodiment of God’s love.
Through His sacrifice, He showed that love for each other and even for Him was not enough.
Here are seven things we can learn about marriage or relationships from Easter.
1. Betrayal can come from those we love and trust the most.
Jesus knew this all too well. Judas-one of the 12, the few in Jesus’ inner circle—betrayed Him by turning Him in to the chief priests.
Betrayal hurts. When it comes from someone we love and trust, it cuts all the deeper. And some of your deepest pain will likely come from your spouse or the person closest to you.
No marriage or relationship is immune. But it is your response to the offense has to reflect the faith and trust we have in Christ.
2. We are not above betraying the ones we love
Peter was passionate about his relationship with Christ. When Jesus told Peter he would disown Him three times before the rooster crowed, Peter just could not fathom it. “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” Peter told Him. Yet, before the night had ended, Peter “wept bitterly” after he denied His Savior not once, but three times (Matthew 26:34-75).
Matthew 26:41 tells us “The spirit indeed is willing. Sometimes it is unintentional, words often rush out before my brain can catch up. Other times, the words that cut deep leave your lips without fully assessing the damage they will cause. None of us are above hurting our spouse or friends, no matter how much we try.
3. Others won’t believe your marriage/ relationship can be saved
As they gazed upon the suffering Christ, the chief priests mocked Him. “He saved others; he cannot save himself,” they said. “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe” (Mark 15:31- 32). The sad irony of their words is that because they refused to believe, they would never see their own salvation on that cross.
Most cultures are a brutal place to try to save a dying marriage. Not only do an increasing number of people not believe in the lasting power of marriage, many will gladly take a front seat to watch your marriage die. They will mock you and your spouse and say divorce is a better option.
Protect your relationship by surrounding yourself with people who encourage your marriage rather than dragging it down.
4. Marriage/relationship takes sacrifice.
Jesus knew what was coming. He prayed in Gethsemane, “My father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Later, before He was nailed to the cross, “they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it” (Matthew 27:34). The wine concoction offered to Jesus was one typically offered to slightly ease the pain of those condemned to death. Jesus refused to numb even a fraction of the sacrifice He was about to make.
It sometimes seems like a no-brainer that we would give our lives for our spouses. But what about in the day to day? Are you willing to sacrifice your comfort, your preferences, even being right for your spouse?
On a much smaller level, sacrificing yourself for your spouse is putting their best interests above your own through a series of choices that can seem insignificant.
5. Marriage/relationship takes forgiveness.
Jesus’ sacrifice guaranteed God’s forgiveness for those who love Him. Even through the pain of the cross, He called out on behalf of those who crucified Him. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’” (Luke 23:34).
Forgiveness is not just something we have been given, it is also something we, as followers of Christ, are told to do. In Colossians, Paul says, “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (3:13). Your spouse is going to mess up. A lot. You are too, perhaps even more. A good marriage involves a lot of asking for, giving, and receiving forgiveness.
6. Marriage/relationship takes faith
After the tomb was found empty, Jesus appeared to His disciples. Thomas was not there. And when the others told him they had seen the Lord, Thomas was skeptical.
“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” A week later, Thomas found himself face-to-face with Jesus, who offered his hands to Thomas. “Do not disbelieve,” Jesus told him, “but believe” (John 20:24-29).
There have been times it was a struggle to find the good in your marriage or relationship. It was like trying to find a match in the darkness. Most at times you will not see things getting any better. Holding on when you want to let go takes faith. Even a little.
7. We all need a Saviour
The apostle John recorded the last words Jesus spoke on the cross to be, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Finished was His atonement for our sins. No one else could have paid the heavy debt we carried but the Son of God.
Marriage/relationship is a blessing, but make no mistake, it is hard at times. You and your spouse can not do it on your own strength and determination.
Much like the criminal hanging next to Jesus who said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42), you need to recognise the need for a Savior. And much like the disciples who were standing before their risen Lord, you need Him to breathe life into you (and into your marriage) with the Holy Spirit (John 20:22).
Your spouse needs Jesus as much as you do—no more, no less. Remembering this can help you view him or her differently. —familylife. com
INTERPERSONAL relationships are complex constructs that can make or break a work environment. It is essential to cultivate relationships that are more positive and productive in the workplace so that everyone feels comfortable, respected, and appreciated. By doing so, the workplace flourishes with people feeling supported, motivated, and inspired to do their best work.
For improved job satisfaction and happiness at work, take the time to strengthen your work relationships. Here are some tips for successful relationship-building at work:
1. Hone your communication skills
Effective communication is one of the most, if not the most, important skills you need to develop if you want to build stronger relationships at work.
Verbal communication
Verbal communication encompasses what you say and how you say it. It’s important to think before you speak and be conscious of how you phrase your words. Consider your tone of voice – how do you speak with others? Aim to speak with empathy, positivity, and understanding. When you speak in a considerate and respectful way, the people you are talking with will be more open to what you have to say.
Nonverbal communication
Your body language says a lot about you and your feelings. If you are relaxed, it implies that you are comfortable with the person and the situation. On the other hand, if you are tense or closed off, it sends the message that you are uninterested and disconnected. Try to stay open and aware of your body language. Make sure to maintain eye contact to show that you’re present and listening. Don’t let your body language contradict what you are saying. Ask follow-up questions and paraphrase what they said – this will demonstrate that you are engaged in the conversation and that you care about what they have to say.
Emotional intelligence
Be mindful of not only how you communicate but also how you’re making your colleagues feel. Make sure to use appropriate language and be respectful of their feelings, even in disagreements. Be empathetic and strive to see things from their perspective. This will allow you to connect with them deeper and help you better collaborate with them.
Active listening
When the other person is speaking, pay close attention to what they’re saying rather than thinking about what you are going to say next. Show that you are actively listening by nodding and making small comments to indicate that you understand.
AUTISM remains widely misunderstood in Ghana. The World Health Organisation (2023) estimates one in 100 children globally are autistic; Ghana Health Service surveillance notes rising identifications yet persistent gaps in training, especially outside Accra and Kumasi. Many teachers have never seen a visual schedule; many parents meet only confusion when their child reacts strongly to noise, touch, or change. An autistic child is not “difficult” – they process sensory input and social cues differently. Some speak fluently but tire quickly in groups; some use few words but excel at patterns, memory, or art. The spectrum is exactly that – a spectrum, not a label.
Three findings shape doable action. Kasari et al. (2022) showed structured peer-engagement raised classroom initiations by 30 per cent among autistic learners. AHEAD-Ghana (2023) reported visual schedules cut disruptions by 31 per cent in public primary classes. University of Ghana Psychology Centre (2024) found two-minute daily “strength talks” at home lowered parent stress and improved compliance. These are not imported theories; they are practices we have helped families and schools apply through Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC), our accredited clinical mental-health and training centre.
Make the day knowable
Under Ghana Education Service Inclusive Education guidelines, a simple board—maths, break, reading—reduces ambiguity. In low-resource classrooms that may be paper cards; in Accra schools it may be printed strips. At home, keep one anchor ritual: water, bag, shoes by the door. Prepare the child before assemblies or church using phone photos: “we greet, then sit.” Offer a voluntary quiet corner, not punishment but reset. Break tasks; today open the book, tomorrow write the date.
Coordinate, do not duplicate
A teacher’s brief note—what helped, what tripped—lets parents rehearse the same cue at home. A parent’s update—late sleep, constipation, and a win—helps the teacher start gently. At CPAC, we coach families and teachers to keep a single-page plan: triggers, calmers, strength, and one same fact: adults burn out in silence. Couples need a hand-off each evening; teachers need peer debriefs. Kasari’s peer model works for grown-ups too. In towns with few clinicians, radio parent groups and GHS community nurses become key allies.
Celebrate real progress
When a boy counts change correctly or a girl copies a spelling, name it: “You remembered—that helped.” Strengths fund courage for harder tasks. Review monthly and drop what fails.
Remember the supporter’s needs
My therapy and counselling work and Counselor Blessing Offei’s counselling and caregiver-training show the autistic children do not require inspiration; they require environments that remember them tomorrow as clearly as today—a posted routine, a break offered, a skill noticed, and adults who talk to each other. That is nation-building at the level that matters.
Resources
- CPAC (award-winning Mental Health and Counselling Facility): 0559850604 / 0551428486
- Ghana Education Service Inclusive Education resource packs (request through district office)
- GHS child-development clinics for referral
Websites
References
- AHEAD-Ghana. (2023). Visual supports and classroom participation in Ghanaian primary schools. Journal of Inclusive Education in Africa, 7(2), 44–59.
- Kasari, C., et al. (2022). Peer engagement interventions for autistic learners. Pediatrics, 149(3), e2021053277.
- University of Ghana Psychology Centre. (2024). Daily parent strength-talk and family stress: A pilot study. Ghana Journal of Psychology, 12 (1), 21–34.
- World Health Organisation. (2023). Autism spectrum disorders fact sheet.
To be continued …
Source: REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI and certified caregiver and licensed counsellor, Counselor Blessing Offei’s insights on special education, relationships, mental health, and parenting/training special needs children in Ghana. He is a leading mental health professional, lecturer, ADR Expert/Arbitrator, renowned author, and marriage counsellor at COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE). He is the author of several books, including “Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage” and “A Counsellor’s Guide to Using ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Effectively.”
Websites
