Living Free - Dec. 18, 2013

Living Free Every Day®

"Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!" - Song of Solomon 2:15 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Sometimes it's not big things that hurt a marriage. Your spouse may not have been unfaithful or abusive. But what about those little annoying habits? What about his or her lack of consideration? "He never remembers my birthday." "She expects me to bounce in the door and pay all kinds of attention to her after I've had a grueling day at work." "He works all the time. He seems to love his job more than me or the children." "She gets her feelings hurt too easily." "If only he'd help me more with the kids and the housework. I work full time too." "She never backs me up when I correct the children."

Any of this sound familiar? You can probably think of a dozen things you wish your spouse would do differently. So how do you handle your frustrations? Do you calmly express your feelings to your spouse and talk it out? Do you let the little annoyances go by, forget them, and move on? Or do you keep track. "Bury them dead" as we discussed Monday?

Consider this … 

Don't let the little foxes gnaw away at your marriage relationship. Ask God to help you see things from your spouse's perspective. Be open to talking out your differences. Don't pick up on every one of your spouse's "misdeeds." We are all human. We all blurt out hurtful words without thinking. We all become me-focused at times. Learn to overlook the little irritations. Try to resolve the bigger ones. And in it all, walk in forgiveness.

When something happens that irritates you, think of it in light of your love for your spouse. Ask yourself, "Is it worth making an issue of this?" If the answer is no, choose to forgive and move on. Catch the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of love!

Prayer

Father, I know that in my marriage relationship I am sometimes too quick to respond in anger or frustration. Sometimes I find it easy to indulge in self-pity. Help me to have a more mature love. Give me wisdom in each circumstance. Help me know when to let go and move on. In the more serious situations, guide my actions. In every situation, help me walk in forgiveness.Help me not to allow the little foxes to spoil the vine. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Committed Couples: God's Plan for Marriage & the Family by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. Whether in a private or group setting, couples will be encouraged spiritually and romantically as they research biblical principles that affirm their vows. This book can help every married couple grow spiritually and emotionally in their relationship. It is also a great help for engaged-to-be-married couples.