48 Case Studies 25: The Christian Prostitute

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Mable described her marriage in deeply painful terms, saying she feels like a prostitute. She went on to admit that she uses intimacy as a tool to manipulate her husband while he reacts to his unmet desires with pouting or anger. Their relationship is caught in a destructive cycle of sinful behaviors, leaving her feeling hopeless and unsure of how to move forward.

Life Over Coffee Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

Mable recognizes her contributions to the dysfunction and seeks help to understand her role in the marriage from a biblical perspective. However, she struggles to see a way to break free from the pattern of manipulation and conflict. Biff is unwilling to engage in conversations about their struggles, which adds to her feelings of despair, loneliness, and isolation.

Both claim to be Christians, and there is no reason to dispute their professions. Still, their marriage is marked by mutual self-centeredness, with both spouses focusing on what they want instead of sacrificially serving each other in love. Mable genuinely longs to honor God in their marriage but feels emotionally drained and spiritually disoriented. She desires practical and biblical guidance to navigate her responsibilities and find practical hope for the relationship, even if Biff remains resistant to change, sticking to his business-as-usual mindset.

Case Study Questions

1. How would you counsel Mable to think biblically about her role in the marriage?
2. What would you say to Biff about his sinful attitudes and actions?
3. How would you apply 1 Peter 3:1-6 to Mable’s situation?
4. What steps would you guide the couple through if Biff repents?
5. If he remains unrepentant, how would you counsel Mable to glorify God in her marriage?

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).