Especially based on the first letter written by Jehu, I'd title
this chapter, "The Litmus of Sarcasm"
At
the risk of appearing trivial, and to appear as if I have a bone to pick I'll
ask a question that will take us down an unexpected path perhaps. But is this
where so many of our womenfolk learned this ploy of setting verbal traps for
their menfolk? I’ve seen it happen so often where when a woman feels threatened
by another, she would go down a route of “complimenting” her “rival” in the presence
of her mate – just to see what he will say. And MERCY if you’re not forthright,
as a man, in affirming her (your wife/special friend) at that point. Better
yet, it would be most helpful if you could also articulate why it would be less
than a good deal to be with the “threat.” Sometimes the male may not even get
an opportunity to raise a defence; he’s just attacked, because a potential
rival just walked by.
Rationale
for this behaviour
Sometimes this happens because
of the history between the two persons.
It could be that it happened to a friend, and she just wants to
make sure about her situation.
This
could also be baggage from a previous relationship, where her mate cheated
constantly.
What
do you do as a man?
If you’re guilty, quit cheating. Easier said than done, but with
God it is possible.
If
you’re innocent, just understand that she needs reassurance – give it lavishly;
don’t judge her, just love her anyway. A good thing would be to also not wait
on her to ask for reassurance, give it even when she doesn’t ask. When you’re
apart, talk as often as is possible (given the constraints of work, etc).
Ladies:
Don’t
be nagging – dripping water can drive a good man insane. Don’t drive him away,
especially if he’s innocent.
Don’t
make accusations on assumptions. Mind you, if you have uncertainties you must
seek answers. Just be civil about it.
Relationships
are more than dollars and cents, but that is an important dimension. Make sure
that, as far as possible, you enjoy a certain level of independence, which
means that you don’t have to take “crap” from any man.
Do
not allow any man’s disrespect of you to cause you to lose self-respect. Know
your qualities, know your value, do not be reduced by anyone.
I’m
a firm believer that reconciliation is the result of the union of forgiveness
and repentance. Be willing to forgive, but know that true reconciliation can
only occur when he truly repents. Look for fruit, meet for repentance.
When
all this is said and done, there is the relationship with God that must be
considered. Our freedom of choice is His gift to us. And even though it gives
us the right to choose our preferred way, it doesn’t mean that any choice that
we make is RIGHT. There are those who often misunderstand that the defence of
ones right to make certain moral choices, does not translate into support of
the actual choices that that one does make. For we all must know that we are
accountable to God for the use of this particular faculty. So it is good advice
to remember that, “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end
thereof is the way of death.” Don’t be misled by this idea of freedom; every
choice brings a consequence.
Father in Heaven, our desire today is to choose, much like those
elders and leaders in Samaria who chose to side with Jehu, to cast our support
on Your side in this Great Controversy. We do it, not out of fear of dying, but
out of love for You. This we pledge in Jesus’ name, amen.
To read
or listen to 2 Kings 10 and read other related blogs click here.
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