June 2nd
Read: 1 John 1:3-2:2; Eph. 4:30-32; Rom. 3:23
As we think of marital or family problems, we tend to use the language of today and call them ‘relationship’ problems. In truth these wide-spread problems are nothing but sin problems in one or both spouses and in the children … Because of them, we fail to deal in a righteous way with one another. The standard for right dealings (or love) is found in Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. It is a way of dealing rightly with others without considering the consequences in our own lives, but rather trusting God to bring right things to pass … just because He is God and knows best for all of us. It is Jesus saying, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” It is Job praising God when he lost all his children, his servants, his worldly goods, and even his wife and health. It is Mary, the mother of Jesus, saying, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord,” when she was faced with being an unwed mother in a time when unwed mothers were stoned to death. It is Barnabas giving all he owned to the church in Antioch. It is selflessness rather than selfishness.
Married partners should take time once-in-a-while to assess themselves together to see where each has failings in this area. They should agree, without defensiveness, to try to do better and be thankful that God continues to deal in their lives, for He always deals righteously. Each should be willing to confess to God and his partner the failings which are called to
attention, humbly asking help for improvement. With humble attitudes and willingness to see changes for the better in each other, each should hold the other accountable in a loving way. There is too little accountability in most marriages today. Holding children accountable is just as important for their welfare too. That is what parents are for … to teach children God’s ways and hold them accountable for their behavior. Selfish parents bring up selfish children. Humble attitudes in this area provide sure footing for all relationships. The understanding that everyone fails in some area nearly every day will go far in bringing about humility and grace in the home.
Meeting failures in behavior and attitudes with loving concern rather than condemnation will reassure the sinner that he has failed but that he is not a failure. There is a world of difference here.
WEDDING PRAYER
As we here stand
With hearts and hands
Entwined, as one before thee, Lord,
For You we wait
To consecrate
This life we start with one accord.
Help us to grow
And each to know
The other’s dreams and fears so well
That aught amiss
Will bring sweet kiss.
Divine Forgiveness, with us dwell.
Our union bless
That happiness
Might flow from us in constant stream.
Let Your true heart
Your grace impart
That love might ever be our theme.
Prayer: Dear Father, help me to deal rightly with my family in humility and with faith in You.
