Even if marriages are made in heaven, man still has to be responsible for the maintenance. James C. Dobson
Let’s face it people, it is utterly impossible to live in harmony with anyone ALL the time without any disagreements. But God does give us guidance as to how to prevent many disputes or at least settle them quickly but first we must realize that our human nature doesn’t change, but our ‘mature love’ can change things.
1Corinthinthians 13:4-8 reminds us that: Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails! Loving the way God tells us to love is a conscious act of mature love and is not based on the worthiness of the one loved.
Jesus also teaches us that we need to remove the log in our own eye before we try to get rid of the specks of sawdust in the eyes of others. In other words, don’t criticize your mate about their faults, or be so insensitive to their mistakes when you have your own faults that you need to tend to yourself. Somehow when people do things that bug us, we tend to blow it all out of proportion and forget that we have annoying & pesky little things that we do as well. The truth of the matter is that the reason we are so quick to criticize is usually to take focus or attention off of our own shortcomings. No one is perfect and only a patient, forgiving, and tolerant partner can ease confrontations. We need to practice forgiving and moving beyond the situation once it’s been resolved, then we will have a life together maybe not of wedded bliss but certainly with more harmony and joy.
