God's will for marriages sometimes doesn't mean we are supposed to be "happy" (there were some tough marriages in the Bible). But what about if a spouse isn't being treated with much love or respect? What does God want the neglected spouse to do? (you can click on my name to see my post history. i have a lot of problems, my fault for a lot of things, my H's for some things). My self esteem and value is slowly deteriorating, I am in a very hurtful marriage place right now and have been for a year. Not sure what to do. Please pray for my strength. Reconciliation if that's what God wants.

The Bible is comprised of every facet of the human experience for the purpose of instruction and knowledge. The fact that there are unhappy marriages in the Bible doesn't mean that God intends for there to be unhappy marriages. I believe that God actually intends for us to not only have 'happy' marriages, but joyful ones, since marriage is God's creation and is a covenant with Him. There are many passages in the Bible that instruct us in the building of a joyful marriage.

However, since marriage is a union of TWO people with God, TWO people are responsible for its success. Have you read this article? When To Call It Quits You were never meant to pull the load alone.

I'm going to re-read your thread to get caught up on your sitch. In the meantime, if you haven't done so already, I would encourage you to return to the main forums to post to the members who can help you. (I suspect God sent me over here to encourage you to do just that. The prayer forum is very comforting, but is also lightly-attended, posting-wise. )

{{{lost}}}

God's will for marriage is for husbands to please their wives and for wives to please their husbands.

"but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, ... But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:33-34)

http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/7-33.htm
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/7-34.htm