How do I respond?

[mustangwife]

This was part of a friend's email today. How do I respond?

i'm still praying for ****** to open his heart and to honestly know that i am sorry for my part in our marriage. God, do i miss him, i really do. I wasn't the perfect wife he's always wanted, so i do accept my part in it. I am really, really sorry for everything. i have realized a ton since this all happened, but in order for things to work he's going to have to realize some stuff too. If he can't accept that he's not been the perfect husband either than like I said I guess this is Gods plan for us. I'm kinda having a problem w/ that though because I know divorce is not the right thing, so how can God have this plan? Can you offer me any insight on this?
__________________

[trixie]

Well, God's perfect will is for marriage to be a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. His permissive will allows us to screw up and make mistakes. His mercy allows us to repent and His Spirit empowers us to change our ways and lay down our lives for our spouse daily.

I'd say he's at the "permissive will" stage, and she's at the "mercy" stage. You can pray that her heart remains soft and that her husband will repent and come to the same point she is already at, and ask for forgiveness.

[waslostnowfound]

Well, I don't really know the problem, so I can't really say anything of use except that no one can be a perfect husband or a perfect wife, because we aren't perfect. So that only leaves solitude, or forgiveness and perseverance.

Justin

[Servant]

Well, I don't really know the problem, so I can't really say anything of use except that no one can be a perfect husband or a perfect wife, because we aren't perfect. So that only leaves solitude, or forgiveness and perseverance.

Justin



Spot-on Justin. :thumb That isn't to say that we aren't to try, just that we often fall short of the mark. :sad

[Paul]

I know divorce is not the right thing, so how can God have this plan? Can you offer me any insight on this?It isn’t in God’s plan to have people hurt one another, or for marriages to break up. These are things that happen when we “walk according to our own plans,” and “obey the dictates of our evil hearts.” (Jer 18:12) Sadly, there are consequences to our actions, and the actions of those we love.

But God does two things for us. First He gives a “new heart” and “a new spirit” to all who ask (Ezk 36:26). Through Christ we become “a new creature.” (2 Cor 5:17) So now we are forgiven for the sins we have committed.

Secondly He gives us this promise: “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28)

What is His purpose for us? The next verse tells us, ”For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Rom 8:29)

In other words God’s purpose is to make those who follow Him like Christ. While it may not be God’s will for us to sin, or have sin committed against us, these bad things don’t limit His ability to draw us closer to Him.

[mustangwife]

It isn’t in God’s plan to have people hurt one another, or for marriages to break up. These are things that happen when we “walk according to our own plans,” and “obey the dictates of our evil hearts.” (Jer 18:12) Sadly, there are consequences to our actions, and the actions of those we love.

But God does two things for us. First He gives a “new heart” and “a new spirit” to all who ask (Ezk 36:26). Through Christ we become “a new creature.” (2 Cor 5:17) So now we are forgiven for the sins we have committed.

Secondly He gives us this promise: “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28)

What is His purpose for us? The next verse tells us, ”For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Rom 8:29)

In other words God’s purpose is to make those who follow Him like Christ. While it may not be God’s will for us to sin, or have sin committed against us, these bad things don’t limit His ability to draw us closer to Him.

Excellent!!!! :thumb Thanks so much for the response!

[Funmudder]

Well, I don't really know the problem, so I can't really say anything of use except that no one can be a perfect husband or a perfect wife, because we aren't perfect. So that only leaves solitude, or forgiveness and perseverance.

Justin

I agree. I'm so sad to hear yet another marriage is in that rough place :(: :hug

Paul :clap