Read a review at the Biblical Counseling Coalition -
Marriage Matters.
"Winston Smith reminds us that there are no ordinary moments in a marriage. With a wonderful understanding of the grace the Lord exhibits in small things, Smith gives us the resources to understand our heart’s response to ordinary moments with our spouse in order to create an extraordinary marriage."
- Bryan Chapell, Ph.D., President and Professor Practical Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary, St Louis, Missouri; author of Each for the Other: Marriage as It's Meant to Be
"Marriage Matters will help you. If my own experience is a measure, it will help you. Too much advice, I get lost. Give me spiritual inspiration alone, I get motivated until . . . until I don’t get what I want. Winston draws both inspiration and practical advice together. Even more, he will keep them in front of you until you have a rich vision that leads to specific action. He is nice about it, but he definitely wants to see us grow and change."
- Edward T. Welch, Ph.D., Faculty and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation; author of Depression: A Stubborn Darkness and Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest
"Marriage Matters is different from and goes deeper than many of the other biblically based books on marriage. In keeping with the Scriptural emphasis on being Christ-centered and heart-centered in all of life, this book helps Christians see what being Christ centered and heart centered actually means when applied to the marriage relationship. After personally perusing this volume, my recommendation to all married people is: read the book and apply its contents and, if you do, you will have a marriage that truly matters."
- Wayne Mack, Professor of Biblical Counseling at Grace School of Ministry, Pretoria and Capetown, South Africa; author of Preparing for Marriage God's Way
"The strength of this book is the way it takes biblical principles, applies them to the ordinary moments in marriages, and then shows how to connect to Jesus for the change we need. Again and again he brings us to Christ–His Will, His Way, His Wisdom–until we find Him in the ordinary moments of life. It is a book every couple should study, apply, and share with others."
- Rose Marie Miller, Missionary; Bible teacher; author of From Fear to Freedom
"Through his own transparency as a husband and his expertise as a counselor, Winston Smith offers very rich, yet very practical insight on how to function relationally from a divine frame of reference. Marriage Matters brings the rich theology of Scripture from the abstract to the real-life, from the cerebral to the experiential, offering couples amazing truth that holds the potential to completely reshape their view of relationship. Very refreshing. Very encouraging!"
- Jeremy Lelek, M.A., L.P.C., President, Association of Biblical Counselors
"Too often, couples are resigned to settle for fewer conflicts and minimal hurts in their marriage. Marriage Matters is incredibly hopeful and empowering to help couples feel "unstuck" and move toward growth. Winston offers practical insight and suggestions to engage these ordinary moments and frames marriage as the context to experience God’s extraordinary love. He shows us that our ability to love is not dependent on the lovability of our spouse, but a reflection of having our entire lives oriented around our love for the living God–this is worship. In this deepest sense, Winston shows us that marriage truly matters."
- Judy Cha, LMFT, Director of Counseling, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, NYC
"Marriage Matters is a vital resource for every married couple and for those who counsel couples. Winston’s honest transparency about his own marriage and the depth of Biblical insight and counseling experience combine to reveal the true heart of Christian marriage—a deepening understanding of the manifold grace of God at work in His children. Winston gets it—and he’ll help you get it too! This will be required reading for my students."
- Jason Barrie, Lecturer in Marriage and Family Counseling, Westminster Seminary California; Associate Pastor, Rocky Mountain Community Church
"Under the weight of twenty-first century pressures and changes, marriages need all the help we can get. Kudos to Winston Smith for weighing in on this important subject."
- Carolyn Custis James, author of When Life and Beliefs Collide and The Gospel of Ruth
"Winston Smith combines serious reflection on the Bible with very practical insights in marriage. Married couples and those contemplating marriage can greatly benefit from his wisdom."
- Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College; author of Breaking the Idols of Your Heart and Intimate Allies
"It is impossible to capture the genius of this outstanding book in a few short sentences. Winston demonstrates how we can turn our ordinary marital disappointments into opportunities for growth in love, faith, and intimacy. Rich in exegetical insight, exquisite theology (don't miss the chapters on conflict and division: superb!), and warm pastoral insights all presented in a simple and flowing style, this book can help to make your marriage sing. My only regret is that I did not surrender the marriage course to this wise man much, much sooner."
- John Bettler, Former Executive Direction of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation
