A Life of Joy and Love

It is a very sad comment on our times that divorce is as common among believers as in the society that surrounds us.

Yet, as Christians, we know that directly from His word: “God Hates Divorce.”
It is not that divorce is an unpardonable sin that cannot be forgiven; it is that the idea of it should be a very last resort after all has been given over to God.

Till Death do us part has become – till the disappointment becomes “unbearable”, or my personal growth is inhibited, or just “we have irreconcilable differences”, or “my rights are not being granted”; or…..whatever.

Let me ask each of you. What great burden have you been asked to bear – what grievous wrong have you suffered that could possibly cause you not to rejoice in the blessing of a loving relationship with your spouse, your siblings, or your children. None of these burdens can possibly compare with what Christ bore for each of us so that you might have eternal joy. He bought that joy, that hope, that bliss with his life and his death.

When you accept His grace, and then refuse to be as gracious and loving, refuse to grant that same unconditional, undemanding, unselfish love to those to whom you have pledged it, you become like the unjust servant who was forgiven an unpayable debt; but would not forgive a minor debt. As a result of that attitude, he lost his own forgiveness and the graciousness of his master.

When all is said and done, love only keeps count of blessings, not of sorrows. Good memories can easily wipe out years of suffering and anguish if we only learn to count our blessings instead of our sorrows.

The joy of running the course before us to completion is indescribable; and the sorrow and regret of letting our pride, our selfish interest, our short-sightedness cause us to break a pledge to God in our relationships result in a life-long wound.

In every relationship, let Christ’s words – “by this will men know that you are my disciples – that you love (sacrificial love) one another” be the basis of love in your home; and throw any selfish expectations down at the foot of the cross. Realize how much He loves you, and you will be better able to walk in His steps, and show the world what a joy-filled relationship can be. That joy cannot come from how your loved one treats you, but only from how you treat your loved one.