Don’t Mess With My Man - I Do Every Day - February 7
Don’t Mess With My Man
By Sherri Oehme
When my husband and I married, I couldn’t think of one person who disliked him.
But after a move and a new job, he began coming home talking about Jim, who never missed an opportunity to criticize the fresh ideas of anyone younger and less experienced.
My man was getting upset, and I was too. It wasn’t long before Jim and I became enemies—and I hadn’t even met the man!
Galatians 6:1-3 tells us to “bear one another’s burdens,” but also to “keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted,” because “if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
That’s a command followed by a warning: Help your brother, but be careful that you don’t fall into sin as a result. This is a good lesson for anyone, but it was one I especially needed to learn.
When my other half hurts, my first reaction is to enter into battle with whomever hurled the stone—even if it’s his grandmother. (Yes, I called out his grandmother early in our marriage.)
However, Paul also warned the Galatians about gratifying the desires of the flesh, including fits of anger (5:16-17, 20-21). So what’s a wife to do?
Feed him kind and loving words. Affirm him and encourage him. Then pray with him.
We’re not meant to carry our spouse’s stress and frustrations alone. We’re to help them carry it to Jesus.
Read how “The Pressures of Life” are often what point us to God.
The Good Stuff: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Action Points: Make time daily for your spouse to talk about the life-load they are carrying. If they are carrying a weight of stress and frustration, offer to help by praying with them. Then together, carry those frustrations to the cross and thank Jesus for exchanging your heavy burdens for His lighter one.
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