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Irreconcilable
Differences is the Hardened Heart Irreconcilable differences are a
bureaucratic term used in divorce proceedings describing a myriad of
reasons why couples divorce. The state grants divorce for couples
because of hardened hearts, which is the inability to reconcile
differences. Actually everyone has the ability to reconcile differences
with their spouse but selfishness stands in the way. He saith unto them, “Moses because of the
hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives, but from
the beginning it was not so. (Matthew 19:8) Jesus is explaining to the Pharisees why divorce
was ever approved. God did not grant divorce to couples, Moses did! God
would never approve divorce because he intends marriage to be for life! Most people jump into marriage based on
strong feelings and emotions rather than the principled actions to love.
Let love be without dissimulation (Romans 12:9) Jumping into marriage couples are wearing
rose-colored glasses and see their Prince Charming / Cinderella with
powerful feelings of desire. Once the desire wears off they suddenly see
the faults and weaknesses of their spouse, but because the strong
feelings of desire are gone, they are unable to reconcile with those
faults and weaknesses. Love must be sincere. (Romans 12:0) What about going into marriage prepared and
committed? Be willing to do whatever it takes to keep the marriage
fruitful and productive. Don’t jump into marriage based on feelings
and emotions only, go into marriage realizing you will have to
practice principled acts of love every single day of the
marriage. Realistically that’s what marriage takes! If you don’t
think you can do that then don’t get married. Please take the
rose-colored glasses off. Compromise or Hardened Heart? We all have faults, sins, and weaknesses before
marriage, so what changes after marriage? What changes is that couples
don’t want to accept one another and work on the marriage
anymore—they give up! For their own selfish reasons they stop giving
of themselves in the marriage, and as we all know, once that happens the
marriage is hopelessly doomed. Marriage is a give and take commitment
that takes sacrifices every single day! Compromise or hardened heart?
Are you still wearing those rosy colored glasses? Forgiveness or Hardened Heart? Forgiveness? What’s that? We all know what
forgiveness is, we just don’t practice it. It’s easier to be
burdened with an unforgiving heart than forgive. Forgiveness is
difficult, especially if you are hurting, but even if there is good
reason to hold in resentment and grudges it will kill your soul. Anyone
who does not forgive will become bitter and full of hatred. Forgiveness
opens your heart to loving others and if there is anyone you should be
practicing to love, it is the person God blessed you with. Forgive and
receive forgiveness for yourself. Forgiveness or Hardened heart?
Those rosy spectacles are turning sweaty on your face. Boy it’s
hot! Respect or Hardened Heart? Respect is the greatest act of love that we can
give one another. It knows no boundaries. It is what keeps love alive
and moves the heart to be more for each other. The minute couples
stop respecting each other for the person they are, and their position
in the marriage, the minute the marriage will begin to go downhill, and
fast! Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10) Where is the Understanding of God’s Purpose? So are you still wearing those rose-colored
glasses? Are you still unable to understand the purpose God has for YOU
and your marriage? We all
know what God wants for marriage, now we just need to turn that
knowledge into action! Turn your marriage into the relationship that God
intends it to be rather than what YOU think it should be. Understand and apply the loving principles and
actions that God has blessed you with into your marriage. Learn to
reconcile differences through those principles, and watch your marriage
become fruitful and abundant because it is now based upon the design God
meant for it. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual
fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:11) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13) |