When we get married, our in-laws play a very important role in our lives, however if the role they are given is too big, these relationships can become more of a problem.  In-laws can be a great source of support in many ways but there really has to be a healthy balance. Your spouse is now your primary relationship, not your parents.  The proper order of commitment is God first, then your spouse, then children, then other family and friends.  Without keeping a proper perspective, this can cause many problems & strains on your relationship.  The responsibility is on you to keep it balanced & make sure that the boundaries are not overstepped. It’s wonderful staying close with your family….especially your parents, but if the attachment is stronger than with your spouse, and is causing problems and tension in your relationship, that is a problem and it is NOT healthy.  Strings must be detached so your marriage can grow the same as a baby who must be cut from the mothers’ umbilical cord in order to eat, & grow healthy and strong. 

Genesis 2:24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife and the two are united into one.

“Heavenly Father…You have given us loving parents, and a love that is beyond human understanding. Help us to keep a healthy balance between our relationship with our parents and each other, without alienating or hurting anyone’s feelings.  May the love we feel for You be reflected in the compassion & understanding that we show towards each other every day.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”

Challenge: Take a step back look at your relationship with your parents to see if there are boundaries being crossed, and possibly letting go of your attachments or habits that may be causing or could cause problems in your marriage.

 “The Marriage Coach"

© 2009 by Jewell R. Powell, Author of Marriage 101

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