Grace Over Relationships

I Peter 3: 2-7 “being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

Your spouse is a best friend to grow old with, make mistakes with, and learn from each other.  The importance of being equally yoked–two Christians, who strive in this world together is paramount to a good foundation in marriage.  Don’t you love the part of I Peter that says “being heirs together”?

In Proverbs 31:11 “Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life!”

We can also say “His wife can trust him, and he will greatly enrich her life!”

How easy is it for you and your spouse to talk about the tough issues, offer grace, and be willing to pray and grow together?

I truly do not want my prayers hindered. Sweet Jesus what hinders me in my relationship with my spouse?  We want more of You in our love, and more of You in our home.

“Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Ephesians 4:2

I woke up this morning and read this verse and felt teary eyed.  I’m striving for this kind of love not only in my marriage but also with my children, in my job, and with those I work with in the community.  What if we were humble and gentle before we were cross and angry?  Patience?  I have a dear friend who says, “Don’t ever pray for patience!”  What would making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love look like?   I’ve had awesome moments in which I truly felt the allowance.  Because of God’s great love for me, He gave me the grace to forgive myself and others.  I want to live in a state of forgiveness.  Instead of my first response being defense, my first response would be to seek understanding.  I don’t want to feel like I have my boxing gloves on and I’m in the ring fighting.  I want to be sitting  side by side in prayer.

Jesus help us to be humble, not rude and insist on our way.  Help us to be gentle and listen more than we speak.  Teach us patience, and help us see our mate and others through Your eyes of love.  Amen