forcing wrath

            When one believes they have been wronged and the other isn't willing to admit the wrong, it is easy to enter a spiraling never ending conflict. It happens in marriage often. It can last for years. As the years go by, both become tired of the same old repeated cycle of conflict, shame, and the environment of strife. There seems like there is nothing left to do except to remove yourself, if not physically from the relationship, at least emotionally. Marriage for many, is the most difficult responsibility in the world; it is also the most rewarding if effort, prayer, sacrifice, humility, and forgiveness are demonstrated. It is also the most hurtful and harmful to one's health and well being when two people head in separate directions. If I could take a few verses out of the Bible, I would take out, "Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them." This doesn't seem to be fair. If my wife is constantly bringing shame to my life, I would think that I would have good reason to be bitter. I would also take out, "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her."  I can see a man loving and giving himself to a wife who appreciates him, cares for him, loves and honors him--but a wife who is odious as Proverbs 30:23 describes?! Isn't God taking this a little too far? There has to be a limit and some boundaries I would think.

            Well, if there were boundaries to God's love and forgiveness, where would we be today? (and yes there are boundaries…we do have to believe and receive his gift of forgiveness) God broke through the barriers of our sin and disloyalty and stubbornness and demonstrated the ultimate form of love--he died for us.

            In Proverbs 30:33 the Scripture reads, "Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife."  God has given us a glimpse of the results of what will happen when we try to force relationships to work. I have been so guilty of this for so many years. It is the method I use most when all else fails…all else except for God’s amazing love that says that love never fails. The problem is that we want it to work today. The results are up to the Lord…he will heal; he will restore; he will redeem. It is called trust and faith in who He is…and this trust and faith is demonstrated by following his thoughts and ways…Husbands love your wives…wives see that you honor your husbands.