Marriage Breakdown

A broken relationship is never easy and when there are secrets revealed it makes it all the more complicated.

Luke 23:1-56

Reference:  v.47  The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” (NIV Bible)

Explore:  A few years ago a friend of mine went through a marriage separation.  A broken relationship is never easy and when there are secrets revealed it makes it all the more complicated.  Although neither party was blameless in the marriage breakdown it was remarkable to see the different ways each person dealt with the separation.  My friend, although hurt and disappointed, showed amazing acts of grace, tolerance and forgiveness.  Positive characteristics that had not been evident in the past came to the fore and I saw a whole new side of my friend that revealed a faithful and Godly person. 

Application:  We never know what is going to happen to us.  No matter how much we control what we do and say we can never fully control the people around us.  Hurtful words are said and disappointing actions are displayed which bring our emotions to the surface.  The only thing we can control is how we respond.  When Jesus walked this earth He was an incredible man of love and justice.  And then when He experienced severe persecution He displayed characteristics of humility and grace beyond our capabilities.  Often its when we are under stress and pain that our true nature is displayed.  It's certainly more challenging to show feelings of love and grace in these times but we can look to Jesus as an example of how we can respond.

Prayer:  Lord, life can get so challenging at times.  Help us, when under pressure, to look to You for an example of how to live.  Amen.

How do you respond under stress and persecution?

Luke