Marriages in the Bible

"""Protecting your marriage from the assault on its integrity and loyalty is paramount to preserving it,"" says Dr. Gary Lovejoy. At no other time in history have marriages been redefined, misunderstood, degraded, maligned, abandoned, and put to the test. In many cases, they fail - even those in the Bible. While we all want happy and fulfilling marriages, many of us don't know how to go about it. Happiness, it seems, is a byproduct of putting your spouse above yourself. This practice is often ridiculed by those who elevate self-interest above sacrifice. As Dr. Lovejoy reminds us, ""The unexamined life is simply not an option if you want a satisfying marriage."" As a publicist, I have read many dozens of marriage books. This is the best! If you are serious about creating a marriage that thrives, I encourage you to read this book. If you know someone who is struggling, read this book. As he reminds us, ""Marriage is a commitment borne on the wings of a love that embraces the whole person, warts and all.""--Don S. Otis, Veritas Communications and author of Whisker Rubs: Developing the Masculine Identity Dr. Lovejoy has masterfully used his deep knowledge of human nature, historical texts, and ancient cultural insights to add rich texture to the marriages we see in the Bible. He skillfully brings out timeless principles from these marriages to apply to our marriages today. With the lessons learned from the good marriages, as well as the bad, Dr. Lovejoy empowers couples to strengthen and build-up their marriages to create loving, caring, happy relationships that can go the distance.--Jennifer Streger Estrada, CF APMP, Senior Proposal Writer for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Every couple needs to read this book. I've read hundreds of books on marriage, and this is one of the most memorable. Dr Gary Lovejoy reminds us that there is so much to learn from the examples of others. With the wisdom of a Bible student, the curiosity of a college professor, and the compassion of a professional counselor the author guides us through many of the most common challenges that face marriages. Rarely does a book entertain, teach, and challenge. This is such a book. Read it alone, read it with your spouse, read it with a group of other couples! Any way you read it, it will stretch you to make your marriage everything God wants it to be --- a marriage where you love, protect, honor, forgive, sacrifice for, and enjoy your spouse. Dr Lovejoy doesn't provide easy or simple steps to a happy marriage. He does something much better. He shows us time-tested principles from 17 real couples in the Bible. He brings these couples to life in such a vivid and practical way that we realize the struggles couples had thousands of years ago are no different than those we face today. From their examples we learn how to rise above our struggles to a place where God's love and grace can truly shine through us. This book is not just about marriage, it's about being faithful follower of the one who made marriage. It's about being the best and most healthy person you can be. Thank you, Dr Lovejoy, for showing us how relevant and practical God's Word is in the midst of this world's hardest challenges.--Steve Stephens, PhD, President of EveryMarriageMatters and author of Marriage: Experience the Best Insightful! Dr Lovejoy does a wonderful job of illuminating the strengths and weaknesses of marriages in a fallen world. His therapeutic insights are on full display as he walks through the marriages recorded in the Scriptures. This is truly a Romans 15:4 book: ""For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope"" (Romans 15:4). Marriages in the Bible is a must read as it helps to illuminate God's design for relationship in the midst of a broken world.--Paul Govert, PsyD, Private Practice Psychologist Marriages in the Bible: What Do They Tell Us is an outstanding, applicable book for any couple who wants their marriage to grow stronger, healthier, and more loving. From the Bible, Dr. Lovejoy has skillfully unwrapped marriages and described aspects of their relationships that were both healthy and unhealthy. It is comforting to realize that Bible marriages had their difficulties too! However, it doesn't stop there. He then brings hope through the solid insight he deftly weaves into each story. He clearly shares key attributes that bring more love, joy and fulfillment to any marriage. His wisdom gleaned from the biblical overview becomes practical and applicable resources for us to utilize today. We highly recommend this book! This book is an excellent resource for pastors and counselors to have in their offices ready to hand to any couple seeking more encouragement in their relationship.--John and Marty Webb, TriageCare Ministry You know you have found a compelling, must-read book when the opening pages speak directly to you... which was my experience with THIS book. There are many books on biblical marriage, godly marriage principles, tools for Christian husbands and wives... but how many books truly take a deeper look at the actual couples and marriages in the Bible? Could it be that these Biblical examples of broken marriages, dysfunctional marriages, vibrant marriages, and enduring marriages are in and of themselves a wealth of practical, relevant, time-tested wisdom for us to glean from? The answer is an unqualified ""YES!"" Both my life and my marriage were richly blessed and deepened by this book--I'm confident yours will be too. Thank you, Dr. Lovejoy!--Jay Messenger, Lead Pastor, Grace Community Church"