“Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them]
and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them.”
(Colossians 3:19)
(Colossians 3:19)
Marriage is a holy institution between a man and a woman. Marriage is a picture of the relationship that Jesus has with His church, which is His bride. A destructive force in marriage is bitterness. Bitterness can occur when a spouse is displeased or when situations and circumstances are unpleasant or undesirable. The problems can be perceived as a result of unrealistic expectations or a genuine problem may actually exist with the spouse. Regardless, we are required to respond righteously accordingly to the word of God and “bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13).
The Apostle Paul wrote this statement knowing that things will happen in a marriage that could embitter the spouse, in this case the husband. That is why he gave the instruction. Bitterness always focuses on the sins or shortcomings of the other party and leads to accusations, defensiveness, condemnations and bitter root judgments. We must deal with the issues in a loving manner and we must be spiritual to do so (Galatians 6:1). Therefore, all resentment, anger and bitterness must be dealt with because ‘man's anger does not promote the righteousness God wishes and requires’ (James 1:20).
Husbands are given the injunction to be affectionate towards their wife. They are to give honor and to treat them with understanding. Wives are commanded to submit to their own husbands. When a spouse is bitter, the ability to pray effectively is severely compromised (1 Peter 3:7). Bitterness cuts off the ability to walk in intimacy with God. This toxic attitude sin has no place in a marriage and issues must be dealt with quickly. We should not ‘let the sun go down while we are still angry’ (Ephesians 4:26). Not righteously dealing with issues, in any relationship, will cause the evil root of bitterness to spring up and defile and contaminate the entire family. Children learn what they see and hear and are defiled by the unloving words and actions from bitter parents.
Allow the Lord to examine your heart to see if there is any bitterness directed at your spouse. Repent and deal with it now before it deals with you.
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2 comments:
Ouch! I wish I could say that I am amazed after reading this blog but I am not, since I joined Zoe Outreach last month; everything in my life that does not please God is being exposed. When the Lord gets through with me I will be a Proverbs 31 woman and fit for the Master's use. Thank you for writing TRUTHS.
When my mother was alive we would often call each other several times during the day. Sometimes we would chat for a few minutes (depending on the circumstances) and sometimes we would talk about the goodness of the Lord for hours, or study the Word or pray. It is hard to remember a time when more than two days would go by without one of us calling and encouraging each other and just loving on each other. We had a parent/child relationship but it was much more than that. She was my prayer partner and friend. Today's meditation reminded me of the importance of investing our time in our Father, Savior and Lord to develop a deep intimate relationship. I know that God is our friend, but are we His friend? Yes, I know that He loves me unconditionally ... I truly know that I can trust Him with anything, but can He trust me with the secret things... the things that have been hidden from the many and shared with the few. Can He really trust that when He shows me great and marvelous things that I don't just run off and come back only when I want the "next" thing? When you truly love someone you desire to spend time with them and you can hardly wait until the next visit. I believe that God misses our company ... Yes, He has many , many children, but there is not another one like you or me. We were wanted and planned ... no mistakes. Thank you Sis Renee for helping us to assess GREAT value to our fellowship/ relationship with the King of Kings.
Sis Debbie A
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