Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6:16–19; Romans 16:17–18, James 3:13-18, 2 Tim. 2:23

"Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace" (James 3:13-18).

"But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Tim. 2:23).

Just a reminder of some critical things as I wrap up the Mens Issues piece that I have been sharing. I am praying for you. Please continue to pray for me, your family and talk to God. Get right or get left.

Balancing what you know and what you believe. The questions that no one talks about.

The Bible presents marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant, established by God and reflecting the profound unity and commitment expected between spouses, upheld by love, faithfulness, and divine authority.

The sunk-cost fallacy in this setting is the tendency of Christian men to remain in relationships primarily to avoid "wasting" prior investments—time, effort, commitment—rather than making choices based on what is spiritually and relationally healthy moving forward. This cognitive bias, intertwined with faith-based duties and fears, can make leaving difficult even when it may be the most loving and wise decision.

It is generally not healthy or advisable to stay long-term in relationships that are persistently unhealthy or unfulfilling. However, remaining temporarily may be justified when circumstances such as safety, financial or caregiving dependencies, or a genuine mutual commitment to change exist. The decision to stay should be grounded in clear-eyed self-assessment, realistic expectations of improvement, personal safety, and prioritization of emotional well-being. Staying with hope or fear alone, without tangible progress or support, often causes prolonged harm.

Men are indeed victims of domestic and intimate partner violence, despite common misconceptions that abuse mainly affects women. Studies show that about 1 in 4 men will experience some form of physical abuse during their lifetime, and as many as 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.

Important Resources to Consider

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (confidential 24/7 support)

Therapy and counseling services specializing in relationship recovery

Legal advice for protection or custody matters if applicable

Prayer still works.