RESTORING A BROKEN MARRIAGE:

Title: Restoring the Broken: A Biblical Path to Healing and Wholeness in Marriage

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Purpose of Marriage
3. Signs of a Broken or Stagnant Marriage
4. Causes of Marital Breakdown
   • Communication Breakdown
   • Infidelity
   • Financial Challenges
   • Lack of Intimacy
   • Spiritual Disconnection
   • Abuse (Emotional, Physical, Psychological)
5. Biblical Principles for Restoring Broken Marriages
6. Role of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
7. Communication: The Bridge to Understanding
8. Love and Respect: Biblical Foundations
9. Intimacy and Emotional Connection
10. The Power of Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines in Marriage
11. Seeking Godly Counsel and Mentorship
12. Role of the Church and Christian Community
13. Testimonies of Restoration
14. Practical Steps to Begin the Journey of Healing
15. Creating a New Vision for Your Marriage
16. Conclusion and Final Encouragement

Chapter 1: Introduction

Every marriage faces its own set of challenges, trials, and seasons of hardship. While some couples weather these storms and grow stronger, others find themselves broken, stagnant, and emotionally distant. As a counselor and priest, I have witnessed both heartbreaking situations and miraculous turnarounds. This book is born from a deep conviction that God is still in the business of restoration. Through biblical truths, real-life stories, and practical guidance, Restoring the Broken seeks to offer hope, direction, and healing to those whose marriages are struggling or broken.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Purpose of Marriage

Marriage is more than a social contract or romantic connection; it is a divine institution established by God. Genesis 2:24 (KJV) says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” God’s purpose for marriage includes companionship, mutual support, procreation, and a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25).

Chapter 3: Signs of a Broken or Stagnant Marriage

• Constant arguments or silent treatments
• Emotional disconnection
• Loss of physical intimacy
• Distrust and suspicion
• Growing apart spiritually and emotionally
• Indifference to each other’s needs or pain

Chapter 4: Causes of Marital Breakdown

Communication Breakdown Lack of open, honest, and respectful communication can erode trust and connection.

Infidelity Unfaithfulness leads to deep wounds and loss of trust. Matthew 5:28 warns, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

Financial Challenges Money issues create stress, especially when couples do not align on financial goals or spending habits.

Lack of Intimacy Sexual neglect or denial can lead to frustration and temptation. 1 Corinthians 7:5 (NIV): “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time…”

Spiritual Disconnection When couples neglect spiritual practices, their relationship becomes vulnerable.

Abuse Any form of abuse is contrary to God’s intention for marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).

Chapter 5: Biblical Principles for Restoring Broken Marriages

• Love unconditionally (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)
• Forgive as Christ forgave (Colossians 3:13)
• Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
• Rebuild trust through honesty and consistency

Chapter 6: Role of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

True healing begins with forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning wrongs, but choosing to release bitterness. Luke 17:3-4 and Matthew 18:21-22 speak on the power of repeated forgiveness.

Chapter 7: Communication: The Bridge to Understanding

• Active listening
• Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Resolving conflict biblically (Matthew 18:15–17)

Chapter 8: Love and Respect: Biblical Foundations

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ concept emphasizes that men need respect and women need love. Ephesians 5:33 encapsulates this divine design.

Chapter 9: Intimacy and Emotional Connection

Reconnecting emotionally involves intentionality, empathy, and time. Sexual intimacy must be nurtured.

Chapter 10: The Power of Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines in Marriage

Couples that pray together, stay together. Fasting, reading the Bible, and worship strengthen unity.

Chapter 11: Seeking Godly Counsel and Mentorship

Proverbs 11:14 (KJV): “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Seek seasoned Christians who can guide and hold you accountable.

Chapter 12: Role of the Church and Christian Community

The church should support, encourage, and provide practical help to couples in crisis.

Chapter 13: Testimonies of Restoration

Include real-life stories of couples restored after separation, infidelity, and trauma, showing God’s power to redeem.

Chapter 14: Practical Steps to Begin the Journey of Healing

• Acknowledge the problem
• Commit to the process
• Seek help and accountability
• Rebuild intimacy and trust
• Create new habits

Chapter 15: Creating a New Vision for Your Marriage

Start fresh with shared goals, spiritual practices, and meaningful time together.

Chapter 16: Conclusion and Final Encouragement

No marriage is beyond repair with God. Isaiah 61:3 promises “beauty for ashes.” This book is a call to hope, faith, and action. You can begin again and restore what was broken.

Appendix

• Sample prayer for marriage restoration
• Bible reading plan for couples
• Marriage restoration resources and ministries