Harold L. Arnold

Marriages only thrive as each spouse accepts responsibility for the impact of their own disappointments, fears and priorities on the relationship.

As inter-ethnic marriages continue to increase, this trend holds tremendous promise for marriages that can transform differences into assets rather than succumb to them as liabilities.

Couples lose their orientation towards God and each other when buffeted by cultural ideology, family history and personal choices that are contrary to God’s plan.

By following a three-step process, couples from differing ethnic backgrounds can overcome the marital stressors resulting from the conflicting cultural assumptions they bring to the marriage.

Inter-ethnic marriages are often plagued by communication lapses, typically because self-interests are prioritized over partnership. Effective communication requires grace-filled attitudes and behaviors.

God has made provisions for you to withstand negative influences on your marriage.

Inter-ethnic couples face key decisions early in the marriage that establish their foundation. By intentionally attending to these decisions, they leverage their differences as strengths.

When couples compromise on obedience to God, their marriages drift towards mediocrity. Abundant marriage, however, is within reach when attending to five key areas.

External stressors are magnified in cross cultural marriages because of disappointments when cultural assumptions are unmet. Developing a shared identity is the key to growth.

Unconditional commitment is the key to resisting marital stressors. This is accomplished by attending to each other’s needs, honest communication and timely encouragement.

Cross-cultural marriage mentoring offers an attractive framework for racial and marital harmony by dispelling false assumptions and demonstrating how to constructively work through differences.

Busyness is the enemy of marriage. Restoring intimacy to marriage requires an intentional effort to spend time communicating openly and empathically with one another.