As Christians, we are supposed to love people, not just in word but also in deed. Does that sound familiar? It's pulled right out of Scripture. We are supposed to show others that we love them by our actions, by doing something for their benefit or their good, even in times of disagreement or difference of perspective. How often does that happen?

Dear CMR,

With Christmas around the corner, as a student, I’m a little overwhelmed – ok, really overwhelmed. I want to make things meaningful and enjoyable with my friends and family, but in the past things have been tense. Do you have any practical tips or things I can do proactively to make this Christmas season joyful and keep my sanity?

Signed,

Overwhelmed and Worried

Allow us to introduce you to Joey and Theresa. In asking them about their relationship, Theresa shared that at one time “I was at a point where I never wanted to get married again. I had already been married once and had never seen a good marriage. I was done. I had my son and wanted to stay single the rest of my life." Yet now they have a strong marriage and are mentoring younger couples. How did that happen?

Something I find all too easy in my relationships is that I can respond to something small in an explosive way. Not physically lashing out, but getting suddenly very emotionally upset at what my partner just said or did. That emotional outburst then turns our conversation into an argument. Does this sound familiar to you? Here are three key steps to help you control those damaging reactions to frustrating situations. 

Young adults often are looking for more responsibility and independence from their parents; they want to use their freedom and their time in ways they choose. In this video, Dr. Veola Vasquez shares some practical tips for young adults as they try to build the trust of their parents. What do you think of her advice?

As 2018 comes to a close, Biola's Center for Marriage and Relationships (CMR) has been blessed to help strengthen all kinds of relationships from marriages and friendships to families and roommates. Using successful tools like our podcast episodes, our Marriage Mentoring curriculum, and events at universities and churches around the country, our impact has continued to grow this past year. 

The CMR is completely donor-funded by generous people like you. To ensure our future impact, a couple has given a generous gift of $25,000, and they want to challenge you to match that gift by the year's end. Would you prayerfully consider making a year-end gift to the Center for Marriage and Relationships by December 31? Together, we can continue helping people build and sustain healthy, Christ-centered relationships!

Dear CMR,

One of my close friends recently got involved with a friend group that is influencing him in a bad way. My friend is a Christian, but this group has convinced him to participate in things that the Bible clearly states is wrong like having sex before marriage and getting drunk often. I’m worried about my friend, but don’t know how or if I can talk to him about my concerns. How do I have a heart-to-heart with a friend who is going down the wrong path?

Signed,

Fearful Friend

The sun was just beginning to crest the mountains and spread scattered light through the trees. The quiet morning air was beginning to fill with the chirp of birds or the whistle of wind through the tall ancient pines. I could feel the cold mountain air in my lungs as I took an extended deep breath. I looked back at my tent and took in this beautiful woman lying there, still asleep. My wife. The moment sunk into my mind. I was married and spending a weekend away camping with my wife. Incredible.