A Wife's Understanding of Marriage
This chapter dealt with the giving and receiving of reproof, reproof that helps the other become more like Jesus. For a Christian couple, the goal in marriage is to have a "oneness that is characterized by a loving spiritual and physical bond that glorifies God and thereby enhances personal growth."
There are two ways God shows us our sin:
1. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12...conviction through the word of God
2. "Better is an open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." Proverbs 27:5-6...someone tells you
Those of you who know my husband, know that he is a wise and godly man. During these last 17 years of our relationship I have seen Shaun seek God and make good, sound decisions. That history allows me to trust him completely. He is almost always right...its just a fact.
I wish I could say that means that I respond well to his reproof, but almost always my pride is first to speak out (read: he gets the silent treatment) and only later, after some thought on the matter, am I able to change and follow his instruction. "It is never pleasant to realize that other people see you as less than perfect. It is humiliating. However, 'all discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness'. Hebrews 12:11"
Yes, I need to work on my initial response to reproof and have a thankful heart for the wisdom with which my husband leads our house.
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I know what you mean...accepting reproof is difficult for me, too.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing...I need to work on putting my pride aside when it comes to receiving reproof...it is not easy.
ReplyDeleteI tend to justify my attitude about my husband's reproof if he doesn't do it right. Peace's writing about receiving reproof was good for me.
ReplyDelete"...all discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11
ReplyDeleteThis is a scripture I need to remember. Thank you for sharing Lisa. Linda