Have you ever felt wronged or hurt by your spouse? Do you hold grudges against them or maybe someone else that you feel was wrong by something they said or did?
Jesus teaches us something different in Matthew 5:7-8 MSG:
“7 You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full’, you find yourselves cared for. 8 You’re blessed when you get your inside world–your mind and heart–put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.”
In these verses, Jesus is showing us that mercy and purity of heart are the keys of Kingdom people.
Husbands, this is very important for you because you are the one who leads the family. You will be the example for your children and your wife.
Mercy is not just a feeling; it is an action. We show the heart of the Father, when we forgive instead of holding a grudge or getting even as the world teaches. But Jesus Christ didn’t get angry or try to get even. No, He showed grace and, as Kingdom people, that is what we are supposed to do. We are to let go of any bitterness that pops up. We are to show compassion and we are to pray for others. This includes our spouse and children. The Lord knows that families are not perfect. That is why we need to go to the Holy Spirit and ask for help because we can’t do it by ourselves. He is always there to help us!
In verse 8, it talks about purity of heart. What does that mean? It means devotion to God, undivided devotion; meaning no mixed motives or selfish intentions. Jesus calls us to focus our hearts and our minds completely on Him. When we do this, we can see more clearly in our lives what God wants us to do and His presence becomes our most heartfelt treasure!
God looks at our hearts. He knows whether yours is pure or not. You cannot hide anything from Him, no matter how hard you might try.
These values are going to stand out as radically different; BUT GOD is radically different! Kingdom Values invite us to forgive by showing mercy and purity calls us to have a heart fully aligned with God’s purposes. Our culture is that everyone is out for themselves, but not Kingdom people!
(Please note: Some of the content included in this blog was taken from a Bible Plan in the Holy Bible app, Upside Down Kingdom-Day 2)
I want to be different! I want everyone to see Jesus in all I do and say. I want people to be healed as I walk by. I want my prayers to call down heaven! We can all do this because the Bible says we can! But you have to think like Jesus does, like Kingdom sons and daughters who have Kingdom values!
Prayer: Father Jesus, as I seek You, show me how to live like You did. Holy Spirit, guide me and give me the words to forgive when others, knowlingly or unknowingly, wrong me by a word or deed. Help me to let of any offense and help me to keep my motives pure. If there is any offensive thing inside of me, help me to let it go now, in the name above all names, Jesus Christ, I pray….Amen!
I hope this helps you and your marriage! You can always go to our Prayer Wall and add a prayer request. It does not need to be about marriage or a relationship. It can be about anything! It would be our pleasure to pray and stand with you!
If you need to talk with someone, please reach out to info@unitymarriageministry.org. It would bless and honor us to speak with you! REMEMBER:
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!