Peace in Relationships

[Nana54]

 

Peace in Relationships

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must take allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace." Colossians 3:12-15 NLT Attaining peace [Jon Farrar addresses marriages, but his comments apply to other relationships as well.] Maintaining peace in any relationship is very difficult. Each one of us is a unique individual who interprets and views things differently. Whether in relationships in the church, among family and friends, or in our marriages, conflict is natural. When conflict comes, we need to follow Christ's example by showing love and forgiveness in difficult situations.

 

God loved us when we were still sinners in rebellion against him (Romans 5:9). We need to show that same type of love to others by being kind, merciful, and patient. Do you long for peace in your marriage? Ask Jesus to point out times when you have not been forgiving, areas where you need to be patient, and ways you can express genuine love to each other. That is how we have peace in our marriages-when we look for ways to love and forgive each other. from Praying God's Promises for My Marriage by Jon Farrar (Tyndale)

[m.d.p.]

Thank you, that helps.  My husband and I hold different beliefs, he is pretty Jewish, and I am Messianic, so the idea of a Messiah is an issue.  He is okay with me teaching the kids about Emanuel, and anything from the New Testament that I can support from the Old Testament.  It's difficult.  I keep praying that his eyes will be opened to the truth, and that I'd like to be used to help.  Not much has happened so far, but it's encouraging to hear that I'm doing the right thing by not being pushy.  I don't want him to be converted by force, but by His love for the Lord and the truth.

[ashlet01]

The hardest thing for me is to let go of the grudge against people who have hurt me. Just when I think I have made peace within myself something happens that reminds me of the hurtful experience as if it were yesterday. My husband and I had a lot of problems our first couple years together, with him I have been able to let go of grudges, as I know he meant no ill will towards me and our problems were in part of fear of the unknown. Its the people who have no remorse for the ill will and grief they caused me that gives me difficulties. I am afraid for me that forgiveness is something I will have to actively work on every day, as it is not something easy for me. Thank you for the post, and reading my ramble.