respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a
person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are
harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
principle to other relationships where there is a hierarchy. There are certainly times a husband can be
unreasonable and harsh, and in a difficult marriage this is often the case.
marriage may bring you more pain than anything else. Perhaps your husband is distant
emotionally. He might be acting as though he is depressed or uncaring. You rarely speak or if there are words that
pass between you, you would not call it “communication.”
possible you do not sleep together in the same bed, or even the same room. There may be no intimacy in your marriage and you are living as roommates and not lovers. This may be a new thing or maybe it has been going on for months or
years already. There is no oneness in your marriage.
not a believer, you may be persecuted in your marriage. Because you don’t want to do the things he
wants to do you are called names like “Holy Roller” or “Miss High and Mighty”
or “Jesus Freak.” You object to his
movies and music, some or all of his friends and social activities.
lonely and rejected. You wonder how all
of this could have happened to you and the years ahead do not look promising
for any positive change.
verbally assaulted! The Lord did not
revile (pile up abusive and vile language) those who were reviling Him. He did
not pitch a fit and threaten or scream and rant at those who were abusing
Him. He placed Himself in the hands of
the Father, knowing that the Father is completely sovereign over the events
that were taking place. He placed
Himself in the hands of God who is a righteous judge. Jesus had no need to vindicate Himself and
neither do you.
your defender.
stand firm apart from the power of God.
With His help, you will be able to stand and do what is right.
that you have been given the ability to be self-controlled and withstand the
temptation to retaliate against your husband.
lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who
called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You
shall be holy, for I am
holy.”