Bridge the Distance No Matter Who’s at Fault
“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him.” Matthew 18:15 (MSG)
A common response to being offended by our spouse is to wait for them to come to you and make it right. You may have to wait a long time. If it is accurate that your spouse is 100% at fault (a rarity), he or she is probably not thinking clearly, may have poor motivations, be angry or frustrated. This is not the mindset that would help them critique their behavior or motivate them to pursue reconciliation. It may be up to you…the one who is offended, to make the first move. Fighting for your marriage may mean humbling yourself to bring up the offense in a way that most likely brings a resolution. Begin by acknowledging how you contributed to the problem and make that right. Then, be assertive, respectful and kind in addressing the offense with the goal of strengthening your marriage.
Pray: “Lord, help me to be open and honest, with gentleness and love, with my (wife/ husband) when I’m sharing what may have hurt or offended me. In those moments, remind me that the goal in sharing is strengthening our marriage, not dividing us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
