MARRIAGE RIGHTS (1)

[Angellight626]

 

MARRIAGE RIGHTS (1)

 

 "Live joyfully with the wife whom you love... " - Ecclesiastes 9:9 NKJV

Sonja Ely writes, 'I was watching my five-year-old granddaughter play with her toys. At one point she staged a wedding, first playing the role of the mother who assigned specific duties, then suddenly becoming the bride with her "teddy bear" groom. She picked him up and said to the "minister" presiding, "Now you can read us our rights." Without missing a beat, she became the minister who said, "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held against you, you have the right to have an attorney present, you may kiss the bride."' To know what your marriage rights are, you must understand that, first, marriage is God's idea. In Eden He said, '... "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him"' (Genesis 2:18 NKJV). The word 'comparable' means 'compatible with his (or her) needs'. When you marry someone, you marry everything they've been through. Each of you brings your own baggage. Unless you sort out what to keep and what to discard, things can quickly erode. You must also understand that when you leave God out, you have problems. Satan has made marriage one of his prime targets. He loves to promote strife. When it comes to marriage we must learn to forgive, 'Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices' (2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV). God's plan for your relationship is strength and harmony, not strife and confusion. He wants to help you build a strong, loving union that glorifies Him. To do that, you must show grace, and resolve to make Jesus Lord of your relationship.

[Genesis35]

Thanks! Excellent post!

[Angellight626]

 

Marriage Rights (3)

 "Live joyfully with the wife whom you love... " - Ecclesiastes 9:9 NKJV

After the death of the child David fathered with Bathsheba, we read, 'Then David got up... washed himself... changed his clothes... went to the Tabernacle and worshipped the Lord. After that, he returned to the palace and... ate. His advisers were amazed. "We don't understand you," they told him. "While the child was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the child is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again"' (2 Samuel 12:20-21 NLT). Why did David mourn more intensely before the baby died than he did after? Because men grieve hard, but not necessarily as long. Once something's over, they've a tendency to move on. This can cause problems. Often men genuinely don't understand why their wives can't accept that 'what's done is done', and move on too. Listen to David's logic: '... I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, "Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live." But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me' (2 Samuel 12:22-23 NLT). The Bible says that God '... comforts us... so that... When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort... ' (2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT). David's next move was crucial. He '... comforted Bathsheba, his wife... ' (2 Samuel 12:24 NLT). Notice, David didn't ask, 'What's wrong with you? When are you going to get over this?' He recognised that even though he was beginning to heal, his wife was still hurting. The healing process accelerates once you begin to empathise with, and comfort your mate.

[Angellight626]

 

Marriage Rights (4)

 "Live joyfully with the wife whom you love... " - Ecclesiastes 9:9 NKJV

When your mate loses their job and you find yourself suddenly going through a season of financial uncertainty, here are three things you need to keep in mind. First, remember it's just a season. The important thing is to guard your attitude while you're waiting for things to turn around. Unless he's lazy or an outright freeloader, your husband already feels bad because he can't provide. He knows the children need shoes, the bills are piling up and that you're tired of eating noodles or beans on toast, so don't keep reminding him! Second, now is the time to get behind him and strengthen his ego, not deflate it. 'How?' you ask. By asking yourself, 'Am I always complaining? Do I highlight the things we don't have? Do I covet stuff that's beyond our budget right now? Am I doing my part to cut back and make ends meet, or am I splurging on non-essentials, going shopping every day and wanting to eat out every night?' Finally, remember 'this too shall pass'. Now is not a good time to remind your husband (or your wife if she's the breadwinner) about the new car your brother bought or the great house your friend just exchanged on. Now is the time to practise saying with Paul, '... I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens... I have learned the secret of being happy... ' (Philippians 4:11-12 NCV). Has God ever failed you? No, and He won't now, so make up your mind to trust Him. How you handle this season may well determine whether your relationship emerges weaker or stronger.