Consider this: At the zenith of his career, basketball legend Michael Jordon had captured the hearts of many young people who chanted, “I wanna be like Mike.” What we need in this day of struggles and difficulties are men and women chanting, “I want to be like Christ!” Dissatisfaction with our “lot in life” can infect a marriage, causing spouses to drift apart. Most of us want to run from conflict; however, taking the risk to talk things out may lead to true intimacy and a beautiful friendship for you and your spouse. The issue is not how to avoid dissatisfaction—but how to escape the debilitating feelings that it can precipitate.

Why not trade in your anger, pain, and wounded heart for something far better. Why not try doing it God’s way. Every event contains infinite potential to make you laugh, cry, hurt, or rejoice. When you choose to put your faith in emotions (such as anger), you maroon yourself in a self-focused and self-centered perspective. Rather than placing your faith in peril, which is what happens when negative emotions separate you from God and others, place it in the truth of the gospel that offers grace, hope, restoration and joy.

Discuss: It has been said that being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect; it means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. Do you agree or disagree? Discuss ways that the preceding statement should (or should not) be applied to your marriage.

Pause here and remember that at this very moment, the majority of people in the world are in the process of either needing to forgive someone who has offended them, or needing to be forgiven by someone whom they have offended. That is why working through your problems and finding forgiveness is so crucial.

Perseverance is the rope that ties the soul to the doorpost of heaven.
FRANCES J. ROBERTS

Building Relationships Across Nations | Bringing Christ to the Home