April 1, 2008

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  iliveinmycamera

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       I have mentioned this web site before but today's topic was so important that I just had to copy the whole thing here and post.  We (our family) have seen first hand how detrimental bitterness and anger can be in a person's life and how that not only affects them but everyone around them.  The longer it is not dealt with the worse it becomes and the more dangerous it is to A. yourself  B. relationships and C. people pulled in to the situation just because they are friends (or family) with you or through observance.  It effects the lives of others more than you know.  Others suffer because of it. 
  There is just no place in our lives for bitterness to brew (not just in a marriage but in every relationship) even if you are not a follower of Christ.  I speak from having to deal with it myself at one time.
  Anger and bitterness will destroy your mind and body no matter who you are and it will rob you of the joys of life.  It will eventually catch up with you and be your demise.
  
  This is from An Help Meet for Him
  written by Kerry.

  FORGIVENESS

  Have you cleared the record of your husband’s “faults and failures” and chosen to love him in spite of them, as God does you?

  “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
  forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven
  you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

  Being hurt by other people, including our husbands, is inevitable.
  We must know how to respond to things like this. Jesus lived the
  perfect example which we see all throughout the New Testament. One
  particular verse says, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless
  them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
  which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44)

  It doesn’t feel good to be betrayed and lied about. We’re in the
  middle of a hurtful situation here on the mission field. Some of the
  Papuan people are betraying us and spreading lies around. It is very
  tempting to openly express our anger at these people, but we must keep
  a forgiving spirit in all of this. What would become of the little
  church here if we, as missionaries, were not Christ-like? By the way, God is also doing great things right now, which is probably why we’re having so much opposition!

  You probably agree about the importance of my husband and I being
  loving and slow to anger toward the people to which we’re ministering.
  I believe our marriages are just as important, though. Josh just
  mentioned the other day how nice it was to come home to a peaceful
  haven. He is thankful he doesn’t have to fight another battle when he
  comes home. (That doesn’t mean that I never get angry with him and
  always respond in the right way.) We strive to keep open communication
  lines with each other.

  Bitterness and unforgiveness can affect your physical health and it
  permeates all of your relationships. If you want lasting love you must
  have a spirit of forgiveness. Let nothing between you and your husband.
  If you’ve already got a list of things you are upset or hurt about
  don’t let them fester any longer. Sit down and try to understand his point of view before you seek to be understood.
  (This is a crucial point and I hope to write more about it soon.) Write
  out what you plan to say or practice saying it aloud. Next, find an
  appropriate time to talk with your husband about these issues. Try not
  to lose control of your emotions and lash out at him in anger. It won’t
  help anything. Read more about forgiveness and resolving anger in these
  articles:

  Series on Forgiveness
  

  The Secret to Forever-Love
  

  
  

  • 2:11 pm
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