|
|
The Rock of Love For
Marriage
by
Angie Lewis
A fully alive marriage begins on the living, walking,
and talking life of Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount is a perfect
example of living marriage built upon the Rock of Love. Jesus didn't
only teach us how to love, but He showed us how to love through His
actions of love. So it isn't any wonder that if we base our own walk
upon those same actions of love nothing can destroy marriage.
Many marriages are unhappy because they are wishy-washy; full of
unprincipled actions and desires, mixed with unmet emotional needs that
aren't and can't be met, all because the marriage is based upon the
foundation of self. Many couples stumble into marriage not knowing or
caring what their responsibilities and purpose for the marriage are. But
these are the things we need to figure out for ourselves so we can walk
the love walk.
Marital issues will not get the attention they deserve when couples do
not apply the proper foundation to get the matter resolved
appropriately. Therefore, more problems arise, resentment ensues, hearts
become hardened and divorce settles in. At this point, the grass can
seem greener on the other side of the fence. But is it? No! It's only a
mirage.
A typical scenario of a self-based marriage goes something like this.
Couples wonder around aimlessly to find contentment, and some sort of
direction to stabilize their chaotic lifestyle. Something is missing
from their life and the more they try and sponge the missing pieces off
their spouse, the more that spouse feels confined, confused and empty.
Marriage needs giving of each other, not sponging off of each other.
When we constantly only want to get rather than give, we are literally
pulling the life out of our spouse.
After awhile, neither spouse will get the love they so desperately need,
and eventually one or both will seek outside influences to fill their
emptiness. Whether through infidelity, over-eating, pornography,
drinking, negative emotions, etc. But these things pull couples even
further away from each other emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and
physically. I encourage you to think about and do those things that you
can do for the marriage that will pull you closer to one another.
Working on ourselves is the first step towards being a loving and giving
person.
Ask yourself. What do I value about myself? Is it my job? My career? My
looks? My house? What about valuing yourself as a child of God and then
working on being that person? Ask yourself? What do I really need for
myself to make me happy? Attention from others, love from others, food,
drugs, alcohol, another spouse?
No, these things don't make us happy and content! These things control
and overpower the person we are. Don't you see? We put so much trust in
these material and physical possessions and feelings, and then use them
for anchors when times are tough. What has God made for us? What anchors
can we apply into our marriage that is made by God?
The Rock of Love is a living and beautiful part of our walk in life, if
we so accept it. Everything else is dead. Ask yourself. What do I
believe in for my marriage? Divorce? Infidelity? Trust? Respect?
Commitment? Do I believe in what I see in the world to be right for my
marriage? What is my real purpose for my marriage? What responsibilities
and duties does God want me to fulfill for my marriage?
If you are a Child of God, then choosing to love God first would and
should be your first priority, which is taking care of yourself! Then
you can finally go back and walk the love walk with the person you
married.
~~~
This article may be reprinted in full by citing the
author, and website.
Copyright © 2006 Heaven Ministries ~ Angie Lewis
http://www.heavenministries.com
About the Author:
Angie Lewis writes on subjects such as love, sex, and
intimacy between couples. Her books center on the biblical foundations
that God outlines for couples to follow for an exceptional marriage.
Angie writes numerous articles and e-books covering such issues as
adultery, addictions, temptation, and forgiveness in marriage. See
website for more information about Angie's books or online marriage
ministry.
http://www.heavenministries.com
|
|
Management