We are currently in the middle of a five week series on marriage at Cornerstone. Over the 17+ years that Jennifer and I have been married, we have found that reading books together has really strengthened and helped our marriage. We’ve read quite a few and I wanted to share the ones that stand out in my memory. There are several newer books on marriage that I want to read, so hopefully we will continue to grow and learn as read together.
- 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts – This book by Dr. Gary Chapman is a must read. Dr. Chapman is the Sr. Associate Pastor at Calvary Baptist in Winston-Salem. Jennifer and I were members there when we lived in Winston-Salem, and Dr. Chapman is a great teacher. This book really helps you learn to how to understand your spouse and communicate love with them effectively.
- Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After: Preparing for a Marriage That Goes the Distance – This is a book that is in its 2nd printing. The first print was titled “Going All the Way” I’ve used this book in pre-marriage counseling for several years. It is a contemporary book that addresses issues like cohabitation, sex before marriage, and the importance of seeking God together.
- Kid CEO: How to Keep Your Children From Running Your Life – This book really helped us when our children were young. As parents our job is to teach and train our children how to leave. That may seem counter-cultural, but we are doing our children a disservice when we make them the center of the universe. This is a book that many parents need to read, because a strong marriage is dependent on right priorities.
- Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs – This entire book is built around Ephesians 5:33. This really helped us realize how our disagreements escalate, and how to break the crazy cycle of conflict. It’s another must-read for couples.
- Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy – This book looks at marriage from a Biblical perspective. Marriage can help develop the character of Christ in us, and our goal is not to be happy. Happiness is a byproduct of Holiness.
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