Why Marriage Problems Begin in the Heart

Why Marriage Problems Begin in the Heart

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-08-31T10:16:32-05:00August 31st, 2026|biblical counseling, Christian Living, Marriage & Family|

Why Marriage Problems Begin in the Heart

David M. Tyler, PhD.

Over the years I have counseled many husbands and wives who came to me convinced they knew what was wrong with their marriage. He does not listen. She is too critical. He is selfish. She does not respect me. We cannot communicate. We argue about money, the children, intimacy, or responsibilities around the home.

Those problems are real. But they are usually not the deepest problem.

One of the most important truths I try to help couples understand is this: marriage problems begin in the heart before […]

0

The Freedom of Asking Forgiveness

The Freedom of Asking Forgiveness

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-08-23T11:26:07-05:00August 23rd, 2026|biblical counseling, Christian Living, Marriage & Family|

The Freedom of Asking Forgiveness

David M. Tyler, PhD.

One of the most difficult sentences for many people to say is also one of the simplest: “I was wrong. Will you forgive me?”

Over nearly three decades of pastoral ministry and many years of biblical counseling, I have watched husbands and wives struggle to say those words. I have seen parents recognize that they sinned against their children but hesitate to admit it. I have counseled believers who knew they were wrong, yet continued defending themselves rather than humbling themselves.

Why is asking forgiveness so difficult?

Often, the problem is not […]

Comments Off

Why Repentance Brings Hope to Marriage

Why Repentance Brings Hope to Marriage

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-08-16T18:16:35-05:00August 16th, 2026|biblical counseling, Christian Living, Marriage & Family|

Why Repentance Brings Hope to Marriage

David M. Tyler, PhD.

Over nearly three decades of pastoral ministry and many years of biblical counseling, I have seen husbands and wives reach a troubling place in their marriage. Both can explain, sometimes in considerable detail, what is wrong with the other person.

He knows what she needs to change. She knows what he needs to change. Both may have legitimate concerns. Yet they remain stuck because each is looking across the room rather than into his or her own heart. Jesus spoke directly to this tendency:

“Why do you look at the speck […]

Comments Off

When Pride Becomes the Greatest Obstacle to Change

When Pride Becomes the Greatest Obstacle to Change

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-08-01T20:03:21-05:00August 1st, 2026|biblical counseling, Marriage & Family, spiritual growth|

When Pride Becomes the Greatest Obstacle to Change

David M. Tyler, PhD

Most people genuinely want their lives to improve. They want stronger marriages, healthier families, restored relationships, freedom from sinful habits, or greater peace in life’s trials. Yet after many years as both a pastor and biblical counselor, I have learned that the greatest obstacle to lasting change is often not a lack of knowledge, difficult circumstances, or even the failures of other people. More often than we realize, the greatest obstacle is our own pride.

One of the most common statements I have heard in counseling over […]

Comments Off

Why Self-Denial Strengthens Marriage

Why Self-Denial Strengthens Marriage

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-07-14T08:50:12-05:00July 14th, 2026|biblical counseling, Marriage & Family|

Why Self-Denial Strengthens Marriage

David M. Tyler, PhD

Featured Excerpt

Modern culture tells husbands and wives to pursue personal happiness above all else. Scripture teaches something radically different. Strong marriages are built not by insisting on our own way but by following Christ’s example of humility, self-denial, and sacrificial love. As believers learn to deny themselves for the good of their spouse, they discover the joy and unity God intended for marriage.

Marriage is one of God’s greatest instruments for teaching believers […]

Comments Off

Learning to Bear With One Another in Love

Learning to Bear With One Another in Love

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-07-06T10:15:49-05:00July 6th, 2026|Biblical, Marriage & Family|

Learning to Bear With One Another in Love

David M. Tyler, PhD

Featured Excerpt

Marriage is not strengthened because husbands and wives stop disappointing one another. It grows stronger as they learn to extend the same patience and grace God continually shows them. Scripture calls believers to bear with one another in love, recognizing that sanctification is a lifelong process for every believer. As husbands and wives grow in humility and Christlike love, they create a marriage marked by grace, forgiveness, and lasting unity.

Comments Off

How to Pursue Reconciliation After Conflict

How to Pursue Reconciliation After Conflict

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-06-29T09:25:47-05:00June 29th, 2026|biblical counseling, Marriage & Family|

How to Pursue Reconciliation After Conflict

David M. Tyler, PhD

Featured Excerpt

Conflict is inevitable in every marriage, but lasting peace is not found by avoiding disagreements or winning arguments. Scripture calls husbands and wives to pursue genuine reconciliation through humility, repentance, forgiveness, patience, and Christlike love. As couples follow God’s design, conflict becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewed unity rather than ongoing division.

Conflict is an unavoidable part of marriage.

Whenever two imperfect people live together, disagreements, misunderstandings, disappointments, and hurt feelings will eventually arise. Some conflicts are relatively minor, while others leave deep wounds that, if […]

Comments Off

When Trust Has Been Damaged in Marriage

When Trust Has Been Damaged in Marriage

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-06-22T11:48:01-05:00June 22nd, 2026|biblical counseling, Marriage & Family|

When Trust Has Been Damaged in Marriage

David M. Tyler, PhD

Featured Excerpt

Trust is essential to a healthy marriage, yet it can be damaged through betrayal, dishonesty, or repeated disappointments. While trust is not rebuilt overnight, Scripture provides hope through repentance, forgiveness, and faithful obedience. Lasting restoration grows as husbands and wives pursue God’s design for reconciliation.

Trust is one of the greatest blessings God gives within marriage. When trust is present, a husband and wife are able to communicate openly, face difficulties together, and enjoy a sense of security in the relationship. They do not constantly question motives […]

Comments Off

Why Forgiveness Remains Essential in Marriage

Why Forgiveness Remains Essential in Marriage

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-06-15T11:16:46-05:00June 15th, 2026|Marriage & Family|

Why Forgiveness Remains Essential in Marriage

David M. Tyler, PhD.

Featured Excerpt

Marriage places two imperfect people in close relationship for many years. Because sin remains present, offenses will occur. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not optional for His followers. It is a necessary expression of humility, obedience, and love that protects marriage from the destructive effects of bitterness and resentment.

Marriage Inevitably Involves Offenses

Many couples enter marriage expecting difficulties, but they are often surprised by how frequently they must deal with disappointment, misunderstanding, and hurt. Words are spoken carelessly. Promises are forgotten. Selfishness emerges. Weaknesses become visible.

Because offenses occur repeatedly, every marriage must […]

Comments Off

Faithfulness in Marriage Is Measured Over Time, Not Moments

Faithfulness in Marriage Is Measured Over Time, Not Moments

By David M. Tyler, Ph. D.|2026-06-09T14:05:54-05:00June 9th, 2026|Marriage & Family|

Faithfulness in Marriage Is Measured Over Time, Not Moments

David M. Tyler, PhD.

Featured Excerpt

Healthy marriages are not built through occasional moments of success but through a long pattern of faithful obedience to God. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to perseverance, reminding us that lasting fruit often develops slowly over time.

Many Couples Measure Their Marriage by the Wrong Standard

When difficulties arise in marriage, it is easy to evaluate the relationship based on recent events. A difficult conversation, a recurring disagreement, a season of emotional distance, or the absence of visible progress can quickly become the measure by which the […]

Comments Off

ABOUT ME

USEFUL LINKS

CONTACT INFO