Review How to Act Right when your Spouse Acts Wrong

How many marriages are in trouble today? Sadly, there are too many. There is a tremendous need for wise, godly counsel to help couples keep everything together. Leslie Vernick has done this in her book, “How to Act Right when your Spouse Acts Wrong.” Her theory is that God expects us to change and become godly even when our spouse is making wrong choices or living in a way that annoys us. I appreciate the many short examples (from her counseling sessions) and quotes which help to clarify her points.

The book was written for contemporary Christians in a broad range of marital difficulties. Her advice is Biblically sound. There are ten chapters:

1. Why Bother to Act Right?

2. What Do My Spouse’s Wrongs Reveal in Me?

3. Stop Reacting, Start Responding.

4. Guard your Heart.

5. Center Yourself in God.

6. Recognize Your Power to Choose.

7. Choose to Grow.

8. Choose to Love.

9. Gifts of Love.

10. The Blessings of Acting Right.

The First half of the book was a little difficult for me to read. It seemed like she kept repeating herself, which grated on my nerves. I also felt the writing was too quick at times; leaving me no chance to really contemplate what she was trying to get across. Despite this, the book is certainly worth the read. She gives advice on difficult subjects like abuse in marriage as well as everyday problems. I loved her approach to these kinds of situations. The main theme of her book can be summed up in this quote, “Marriage isn’t about finding the right person, but becoming the right person.”

Mrs. Vernick is a licensed clinical social worker and has been married for more than 30 years.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press, for the purpose of sharing my opinion.