Never return evil for evil or insult for insult... but on the contrary blessing - praying for their welfare, happiness and protection, and truly pitying and loving them. For know to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing (from God) - obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection. (I Peter 3:9 AMP)
I suppose I'm the only one that routinely visits this scenario. I'm having to once again swallow my pride, humble myself and return a kind word in exchange for a gruff remark.
"Did he get up on the wrong side of the bed again?" I ask myself. Why do I feel that any little thing sets him off like a firecracker? Lord, I'm tired of getting my feelings hurt and my ego bruised again. Why must I always be the one to back down and extend grace?
Yes - I'm being melodramatic here for a reason. First of all, when we continuously refer to ourselves and our feelings as we complain to the Lord, we are in effect answering in the rhetorical because we already know what the answer is. We are Christians and we don't act like the world. We are to act like Christ.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
Here is a brief excerpt from my book MISSION POSSIBLE
Chapter 6 In The Meantime - Serve
I Peter 5:7 says, [in humility] "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." Sometimes we have many concerns and burdens to cast upon Him. There are days we must ask God to forgive us for an attitude that is less than honorable. When my husband hurt me with a comment or action, I would find myself saying to God, "Forgive him, Lord, for he knows not what he does."
We cannot afford to hold a grudge and give place to the devil. We must be peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Love is the "bond of perfection" and you must "let the peace of God rule in your hearts..." (Colossians 3:14-15). We need to remind ourselves that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Your husband is not the enemy - Satan is! © 2010-2015
We cannot afford to hold a grudge and give place to the devil. We must be peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Love is the "bond of perfection" and you must "let the peace of God rule in your hearts..." (Colossians 3:14-15). We need to remind ourselves that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Your husband is not the enemy - Satan is! © 2010-2015
I was listening to a sermon the other day via a pod cast by a well-known pastor. He was teaching on the subject of repentance with reference to the crowds that surrounded Peter as he was preaching during Pentacost. His boldness had dramatically increased after the Holy Spirit had empowered him and the other disciples. The Apostle Peter confronted them with the death of the promised Messiah and their own sin (Acts 2:36-41).
Paul writes to the Corinthians telling them that he rejoiced in the fact that their sorrow led them to a true repentance that in turn led to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). I began to see with my spiritual eyes that godly sorrow in me would produce true repentance - not just "lip service" to the Lord. My actions needed to align themselves with what I was "saying I would change." Christians have to repent too!
I needed to turn from my former ways of coping with the difficulties in my marriage to a more Godly response that was born from a pure heart's motive.
Thankfully Jesus is a God of second chances. He knows our frailties. He sees our innermost struggles. If we ask Him for strength, perseverance, and wisdom He will oblige us in our request. Purpose to submit yourself to His plans and His ways. Remember, taking on His yoke is easier than trying to do it all by yourself (Matthew 11:29-30).
Speaking of submission - always view it from the perspective of submitting to Jesus. That will help you as your spouse's helpmeet to do what is required by the Lord to preserve harmony and a safety zone within your marriage. Here is a link to one of my popular posts about submission: Oh No - Not the S Word .
So tell me - what is your greatest stumbling block in your spiritually mismatched marriage? Do you cry out to the Lord in frustration? Have you seen a rise in spiritual tension in your home?
Stay on your knees... that just might be a sign of a pending breakthrough in the heavenlies...
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.
Speaking of submission - always view it from the perspective of submitting to Jesus. That will help you as your spouse's helpmeet to do what is required by the Lord to preserve harmony and a safety zone within your marriage. Here is a link to one of my popular posts about submission: Oh No - Not the S Word .
So tell me - what is your greatest stumbling block in your spiritually mismatched marriage? Do you cry out to the Lord in frustration? Have you seen a rise in spiritual tension in your home?
Stay on your knees... that just might be a sign of a pending breakthrough in the heavenlies...
Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
I found this blog via the 1 Peter 3 Living group. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Evie - thanks so much for stopping by. Great to know that my ministry is reaching others in the I Peter 3 Group. Lynn & Dineen are such a blessing!
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