Viewer Comments

Chad Smith
I would probably pick option c. As the husband, the Bible says you are to leave father and mother and cleave to your wife, and the two will become one flesh. The wife is the most important person in your life now, and the mother needs to know this. The key is to approach mom in a loving way, remembering that a "soft answer turneth away wrath".

Fred Powers
This husband and wife find themselves in an uncomfortable circumstance. However, I have a guide which, although I have not been in this particular circumstance, I've found to be very helpful (and many times successful) in many situations:
When experiencing a difficult circumstance, pray that God would change your circumstance. However, if God chooses not to change your circumstance, then you can be assured He is trying to change you!

The primary responsibilty of a Christian is to shine the light of Christ through unconditional love, even at the cost of humbling oneself to the status of a doormat. The love of Christ is to shine in a dark world, no matter the circumstance. If the mother-in-law is a Christian, then Jesus command to "love one another" is even more important because the absence of love between Christians is the basis for the inability of the church to impact the community in our culture today.

Mike Hoffman
I have been in this situation and I would Politely tell Mom that this is My wife and she should be treated respectfully. Keeping in mind though the Commandment to Honor my Mother and Father. I would Put My Wife first and her feelings First. But not trying to be hurtful with my words and Trust God for the outcome....... I was on the other end of this with my wife's parents and it was Hard and Puts Lots of Strain on a Couple.

Carl Robinson
This situation is probably a common situation faced daily by many couples. But, the choice is clear, praying for the mother and the son addressing the mother, respectfully of course, but ensuring that his wife recieves an apology and acceptance by the mother. She is, in fact a part of the family, both in spirit, and legally.
By resolving this conflict between mother and spouse the husband is simply asserting his love for his spouse, who is actually part of him - "the two become one." If we dig deeper, is the mother also disrespecting the choice he's made for a partner in life? What other choices is she trying to influence?

I think the most important thing is, resolving this in a positive way, with understanding, tolerance, and love. Pride may assert itself, however, it must be checked. I also think professional help providing a neutral place to meet to resolve these differences could be helpful.

If there are children involved, it is especially everyones benefit that this be resolved. Parents have their children, and grandparents have their children, and so on, and the lessons learned in dealing in the basic unit, the family, are taught at home.

It is not being undiplomatic or choosing sides, it is positively asserting oneself to resolve a situation for the mutual benefit of all involved

Leemo Leasau
I would pray for the mother-in-law, but also prayer for the daughter-in-law. They do need to communicate to each other what the problem may be. It may be something small, but both parties are not taking the time to talk to each other. Maybe they have too much pride...but, God does not give pride.

Andrea
The bible teaches that you leave your parents and cleave to your husband/wife, and that the two become one. They should continue to pray for mom-in-law, and the husband should lovingly but firmly take a stand and not tolerate disrespect towards his wife. When his mom disrespects his wife, she is disrespecting her own son.