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
It is the New Year! We have all eagerly waited for Christmas and now that it is over, it is time to get back into our daily routine.
This can be rather difficult, especially for children who may have become used to spending time with family, staying up a bit later than their usual bedtime, watching lots of movies and enjoying delicious Christmas treats and exciting new presents.
Having enjoyed some festive ‘freedom’ it is now time to get back to school routines and teachers’ expectations.
Getting back to work/school can cause anxiety to parents as well. Here are six tips to help your family adjust back to the daily routine:
Gradually introduce an early bedtime routine
The kids may have enjoyed a later bedtime during the festive period. By gradually introducing an earlier bedtime the transition between the holidays and the return to school will be easier.
Encourage your kids to go to bed early a few days before their return to school. This will help them get used to early mornings on school days.
Remind them of their usual term-time bedtime routine, such as getting their clothes ready for the next day, or no screen time at least an hour before bed. Do this gradually over the first week back.
2. Talk to your child
Kids find it easier to adjust to a new routine if they know what to expect. Explain to your child that now that Christmas is over and they have enjoyed some lovely experiences together, it is time to get back to school and other daily activities.
Remind them of the daily routine, such as school drop off and pick up, after school clubs, homework and everything else that happens during term-time.
3. Let your child share their feelings without judgment
Ask your child how they feel about going back to school. Listen to what they say in a non-judgmental way and avoid criticism.
Show them empathy and use positive affirmations such as ‘I know it’s hard to get back to school after the holidays’, ‘We are here for you if you find it difficult’ or ‘It is okay to feel this way, you will get through this’.
4. Draw pictures or use social stories
Many children find it difficult to express their feelings. You can ask your child to draw a picture of how they feel about going back to school. This is a great tool to deal with anxiety.
Look at their picture and try to find the message your child has tried to express. If you cannot figure it out, ask your child to talk about the picture and explain it to you. This could be a good starting point for a conversation about your child’s feelings and anxieties.
Alternatively, you could write a social story for your child. Known to be highly beneficial for children with learning difficulties including autism, social stories are effective methods to provide guidance and directions for responding to various types of social situations. You should ideally personalise it so that your child is the main character and your child’s specific school and teachers are mentioned.
5. Use positive holiday experiences
Sit with your child and look back at your holiday experiences together. Look at pictures or special objects that remind them of the holidays and choose one they could share with their friends or teachers at school. Remind your child that although the holidays are over, you can still enjoy family time or trips together on weekends. Try to plan ahead for weekend activities or days out and put these in the diary, this will give your child something to look forward to.
6. Get organised
Do not leave things for the last minute before going back to school! The school run and morning routine is already hectic. Get all uniforms, lunch boxes, book bags ready the night before – and be consistent with this approach.
Ensure school kits are ready for the first day back at school. Check with your child if there is anything else they need to bring back, such as library books they brought home before the holidays.
As the clock resets, the second week of January is here, and with it comes the excitement of a fresh start. For couples, this is a golden opportunity to step into the new year not just as individuals but as a team. A joint plan and target for 2026 can be the difference between a marital relationship that merely survives and one that truly thrives.
Planning together as a couple is about more than setting goals; it is about strengthening your bond, aligning your dreams, and creating a shared vision for your home and future. It is a deliberate act of love, commitment, and collaboration that can transform your relationship and enhance your mental and emotional well-being.
Here is a continuation of how couples can make 2026 their best year yet by embracing the power of joint planning and preparation.
6. Build a financial plan together
Money is often a source of tension in relationships, but a clear financial plan can reduce stress and foster trust. Use the start of the year to create a joint budget, set savings targets, and agree on how to manage expenses.
Steps to build your financial plan
• Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can save.
• Set financial priorities, such as paying off debt, saving for a home, or investing in education.
• Agree on spending limits for non-essential items to avoid conflicts.
7. Strengthen your mental and emotional bond
Good mental health is the foundation of a thriving marital relationship. Couples who prioritise their mental and emotional well-being are better equipped to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and stay connected.
Steps to strengthen mental health together
• Practice Gratitude: Start a gratitude journal where you list things you are thankful for about each other daily or weekly. Start each day with words of affirmation or a prayer together.
• Encourage Self-Care: Support each other in taking time for personal hobbies, rest, and relaxation. Support each other’s mental health by being patient, understanding, and encouraging self-care.
• Share your dreams, fears, and hopes for the future during quiet moments.
• Seek Help When Needed: Do not hesitate to consult Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC), or a therapist if you face emotional or relational difficulties.
8. Create a couple’s bucket list
Planning is not just about work—it is also about fun! A couple’s bucket list adds excitement and adventure to your relationship. It is a chance to dream big and create unforgettable memories together.
Examples of bucket list ideas
• Take a weekend road trip to a destination you have never explored to celebrate a personal or professional success.
• Have a special dinner date when you hit a financial savings target.
• Try a new hobby together, such as dancing, gardening, or painting.
• Write love letters to each other and exchange them on your anniversary.
• Surprise each other with thoughtful gifts or notes of encouragement.
9. Stay flexible: Life happens
Even the best plans can face unexpected challenges. Flexibility is key to maintaining harmony in your relationship when life throws curveballs. Be willing to adapt your goals and support each other through changes.
Final Thoughts: Your year, your legacy
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and focus on growing together as a couple.
2026 is a blank canvas, and you and your spouse hold the brush. By creating a joint plan and working as a team, you can build a year filled with love, growth, and success.
Take time this week to sit down, dream, and plan together. Know that the effort you invest in your marital relationship now will yield a harvest of joy and fulfillment in the months to come. Here is to 2026—a year of unity, purpose, and partnership! Let us make it a year to remember.
To be continued …
Source: REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI is a renowned author, mental health professional, lecturer, 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.”
By Counsellor Prince Offei
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