Marriage is a sacred bond between two individuals, promising love, companionship, and mutual support. However, sometimes couples find themselves in a challenging situation where conflicts arise, communication breaks down, and negative emotions take over. In these moments, it's essential to remember that change can begin with just one person. As we delve into the complexities of marital struggles, let us explore the power of love and understanding, drawing inspiration from the biblical passage 1 Peter 3:4-6.
1 Peter 3:4-6:
"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy( set apart) women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear."
Understanding the Dilemma
In any marriage, conflicts, and disagreements are bound to occur. In the situation you're facing, it seems you and your spouse are experiencing a breakdown in communication, particularly regarding sexual intimacy. It can be frustrating when one partner feels responsible for initiating intimacy while the other remains passive or uninterested.
Choosing Love over Like
While it's natural for feelings to fluctuate within a marriage, it's essential to recognize that true love extends beyond mere affection. In 1 Peter 3:4-6, we are reminded that the inner self, characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit, holds immense value in the eyes of God. It implies that love should not be contingent upon liking your partner but should be rooted in a deeper commitment to honor and support one another.
Initiating Change
Initiating change in your marriage begins with self-reflection and personal growth. By focusing on your own actions, you can set an example that may inspire your partner to reflect and make changes of their own. Instead of waiting for your spouse to lead, provide, and protect, take the initiative to foster open communication and seek resolutions to the challenges you face as a couple.
Open and Honest Communication
Start by calmly expressing your concerns and desires to your spouse. Share your feelings about the lack of initiation and the impact it has on your intimacy and emotional connection. Be honest about your expectations and listen attentively to his thoughts and feelings without judgment. Emphasize that working together as a team is vital for the well-being and growth of your marriage.
Seeking Professional Help
If the conflicts persist and your spouse remains resistant to seeking professional help, consider recommending marriage counseling once again. Highlight the benefits of a neutral third party who can provide guidance and facilitate productive conversations. Reiterate that counseling is not a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity for growth and understanding.
The Power of Unconditional Love
In challenging times, it can be tempting to withdraw and contemplate leaving the marriage. However, embracing the power of unconditional love, as exemplified in 1 Peter 3:4-6, invites us to rise above our frustrations and disappointments. It encourages us to extend grace and understanding, even when we feel hurt or disgusted by our partner's actions.
My Personal Journey:
I remember there was a point in my marriage where I didn't like or feel like I loved my husband due to the constant discord between us. I was so focused on wanting him to change that I failed to understand that it was my own heart that God was trying to work on first. I had to come to the realization that the only control I had was over myself. As a walking representation of Jesus, how was I displaying that if I easily became annoyed or quick to anger when things didn't go my way?
Often, I found myself telling God that it wasn't fair because I felt like I didn't deserve the difficulties I was going through. God has a humorous way of working because it wasn't about what I deserved, but rather, how He could transform me when I was unwilling to come to Him and surrender myself and my selfish ways to be changed by Jesus Christ. After years of fighting against myself and what I deemed as unfairness, I made a decision to try something new. I chose to surrender and allow God to do His work in me.
What I witnessed from that surrender was a remarkable change within myself, and it began to permeate into my marriage. Many days, I had to ignore the urge to argue, remain quiet, and even tell myself to "shut up." I turned to God because He wanted to know if I was truly committed to His ways or my own ways.
By surrendering and allowing God to work within me, I began to experience transformation both individually and within my marriage. As I let go of my selfish desires and embraced God's teachings, His love and grace-filled my heart, enabling me to love my husband even when it felt challenging. The change I experienced within myself allowed me to approach our conflicts with newfound humility, patience, and understanding. It created an environment where growth and reconciliation became possible.
While it may feel overwhelming to bear the burden of initiating change in your marriage, remember that your actions have the potential to inspire transformation. Choosing love over like, practicing open communication, and considering professional help can pave the way for healing and growth. Embracing the teachings of 1 Peter 3:4-6, let us strive for a marriage built on unconditional love, understanding, and mutual respect. As we surrender to God's work within us, we create the possibility for remarkable change, not only in our own lives but also in our relationships with our spouses.
😇Discover the life-changing insights of my best-selling book by getting your hands on it today!
Join me on a journey to shift your mindset, renew your mind, educate your brain, and expand your consciousness.
😇Connect with Tiffynee & the community on social media. Visit her Website or follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Linkedin, or Facebook.
😇Schedule your consultation here: SCHEDULE NOW
Comentários