How to Keep Gender Differences from Driving Your Marriage Crazy

Mary and Joseph both heard from God about the coming birth of their son, Jesus. But have you ever noticed how differently the Lord communicated that to each of them?

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her that she would bring the Christ child into the world, Mary asked, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34, ESV). She wanted to know in what way God’s plans could happen.

Gabriel patiently outlined the full plan: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35, ESV).

On the other hand, when the Lord addressed Joseph through a dream, the angel told him what to do. “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21, ESV).

God made men and women (Genesis 5:2), so He understands how best to communicate with us. Authors Robert and Pamela Crosby say that successful marriages are anchored in the “way of a woman” and the “will of a man.”

That means men and women have unique perspectives in life that God uses as grist for the mill to polish them more fully into His image. God wants our marriages to make us more selfless and humble, to serve each other. First Corinthians 12 describes the differences within the Body of Christ just like that. Our uniqueness is designed to benefit others, not detract from their well-being.

How has God designed men to communicate with the “way of a woman” and women to communicate with the “will of a man”?

Robert and Pamela Crosby are with us on our broadcast to help us learn how our differences can bring fullness to our marriage instead of driving us crazy. We’ll examine how gender differences can create friction and tension – even in good marriages – and we’ll discuss what to do about it.

This is practical stuff that’ll help you improve communication and understanding in your relationship. You’ll learn how to see your differences as something to be celebrated together, not divided over.

Tune in for “Balancing Gender Differences in Your Marriage” on your local radio station, online, or on our free phone app.

The Crosbys are the authors of The Will of a Man & the Way of a Woman, available in our online bookstore.