A House Divided In Marriage

Only Jesus can help there to be peace and love in your home. Without Him around, there is often contention and unnecessary grief found within. We can try all we want to, to make things right with our spouse and our children, but without God directing our paths the good things we are instituting cannot last. In the end, arguments will still arise and even financial issues can not be more difficult to handle, because of all the extra niceties you did for the family. Now, one thing that we need to realize is that if our house is divided in any way, shape, or form, then it will not end well. Sometimes arguments turn into fights and are escalated to the point of actual physical abuse, which is terrible. Where if things do not get under control, thoughts of divorce and actually going so far as to divorcing can take place. And does this make life any easier? Nope. There are now custody issues with your children, child support payments, and days separated from your children, whom you see for different days of the week. Divorce actually brings in more stress into many people’s lives. That is why God wants you to get your house in order before that can happen. Jesus even said, “and if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:24,25) The same way that God’s kingdom cannot stand when the members of Christ’s church are divided in their beliefs and the way they treat each other, either can our marriage get any better when our house is divided on different things that we stand for and do.

It is important that we become more understanding of our spouses and kids. They may not see eye to eye with you on certain topics, but that doesn’t mean that you have to get angry with them. Starting an argument does no good, but more harm in a relationship. But does what people say and do often turn into unnecessary heated arguments? Yes, they do, unfortunately. So what is the antidote to all of this chaos? The answer is unconditional love. Even if a person says something, which can be your kids or spouse, we should not get upset, but ask them necessary questions to gauge their thinking. This type of reaction ends in fewer arguments, and real questions answered. So let us define what love/charity really is. Paul said, “charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) These characteristics of charity or love are what we need in a marriage and a family for it to come together. It is God that gives us over to a new heart to love one another, even to the point of loving our spouse and children like ourselves. This causes us to think twice before we say something rude and resent it later. Therefore, for your household to come together, you need Jesus directing everyone’s paths. If one person is doing their part and others are not, it will be difficult to come together in unity.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for my marriage and my relationship with my children also. I know that there are days where we are divided on things we say and do, and it is very difficult to get through to them. This causes a rift between them and myself, where unnecessary arguments arise. How often do I wish I could take back what has been said to my wife and children at these times. And later I say sorry, but it isn’t always enough. This is when things get very difficult in the home, even to the point of people distancing themselves from each other. And oh how sorry I am for being a cause of this type of rift with my family. Our relationship could be much better, and it simply isn’t where it should be. I remember how things have been in the past when You are leading each one of us and it is awesome. That is when we are more calm, considerate, patient, kind, and loving. There are fewer arguments, but, instead, rational questions and discussions with a softer tone. Some people may think I am demeaning them in this softer tone, but if they just knew how much I loved them, they would understand. So Lord, take what is broken in my marriage and my children’s relationship now and mend it with the Holy Spirit. Lately, we have come together in Bible study each night, but still, I can feel a rift in my marriage and the relationship with my children. So help me speak the truth in love to them. And may their hearts be softened also, that we may begin having conversations one with another that does not end in arguments. I know that if Your love takes hold of my life and theirs, this marriage can last, even until death. I also know that relationships will become stronger than ever. So help me in my marriage and relations with my children. I believe in You. I love You. Amen.