Own It

Before I leave this topic, I just want to emphasize an important thing to remember in not only our relationship with our spouse, but with people in general. If your marriage is not as strong as it should be, if your relationship is falling apart, if your family is not as close as it could be, own up to it. Don't deny the reality. 

Now I'm not saying play the blame game. I'm saying take responsibility. Just realize a simple truth. No matter what situation you find yourself in today, know that it is your own choices that brought you there. Now if you deny this truth, then you are not in a position to better your situation. You are not where you are at because of the decisions of others. Your situation is not someone else's fault. Now I know sometimes bad things can happen, but I'm not talking about that.  And I am not talking about feeling guilty or blaming someone, not even yourself. 

What I am talking about is change. The moment you own up to the responsibility, you are required to do something about it. Now let's say your spouse wants to leave you. How did it come to that?  Was it founded on a weak relationship?  Was it based upon finances? Was it based upon some other thing that really wasn't that important?  What other factors played a role?  Have you been honest? Have you been looking for pleasure and satisfaction elsewhere?  Have you spent time together?  

Now I'm not saying that applying changes will turn around and save a bad situation. But I am saying that if you become the kind of person that a good man or woman would want to be married to, then you will be happier with whatever lot you find yourself in. Your happiness does not come from others. True happiness comes from knowing that your course is pleasing to your Father in heaven. And to find that course, you must be willing to humble yourself, and pray that you will know what you need to do, and be willing to do it. And once you find real happiness, it has been my observation that good people will want to be around you, and you will enjoy life more and help bring joy to others. 

I believe I have covered enough on this topic for now. I just want to leave the idea with you, that Christ's sacrifice was not about forgiving us unconditionally. His overwhelming message was one of mercy towards those who desire to repent. That's what grace is, it is the opportunity for us to repent.  I encourage all of my readers, if you desire to have a happy marriage, and to avoid sin, which brings only misery and unhappiness, then repent and strive to love your companion. I leave this with you and ask that God will bless all those who desire to receive.