THE HOLY SPIRIT- YOUR PARTNER IN BUILDING A GREAT MARRIAGE 9
My spiritual father was sharing in a service about how the first two years of their marriage were turbulent. He said that he would go to places to minister and preach until people started shaking and then humorously added that his own marriage was also shaking. They were even at the point of considering a divorce.
He then took the bull by the horns. He said he went to spend time in retreat and prayer. He admitted to the Lord that he did not know how to treat his wife. He let go of any ego. He returned from his retreat with instructions from the Holy Spirit on how to treat his wife. They were customised “access buttons.”
After two weeks, our spiritual mum began to ask Dad whether he went to see a marriage counsellor. He smiled and said no. Years down the line and four boys afterwards, the marriage is not just standing; it has become a place of refuge and training for many others, including mine.
Listen, that marriage can work! There are no irreconcilable differences, there are only unyielding spouses- unyielding to the Holy Spirit, Scriptural insight, and Spirit-Led Counsel. God makes masterpieces out of broken pieces.
Most of the things you desire to see in your marriage are actually what the bible calls the fruit of the spirit. Let’s see the list:
Galatians 5:22-23 TPT
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit…
Who works on you till these amazing qualities emerge? It is the Holy Spirit. But do you notice you will be the one to bring the fruit into your marriage? If it is lacking, the two of you need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so we can begin to produce it.
Since the Holy Spirit has been teaching you about kindness, you have not been responding well. He told you not to say a word but you felt smarter. He told you to just listen, but you thought you were too smart to stay quiet. Your words have set the marriage on fire now.
When will you pass the class of gentleness of heart? The class on Faith that you have decided to abscond from because of pressure is now an emergency class for you meanwhile you cannot learn faith in a hurry. Mood swings should be forgotten by now, but you did not sign up for the course on Strength of Spirit. You are used to being emotional. You use it to manipulate till you get what you want. You intimidate your spouse with, “I am good with silent treatment”.
If you do not cooperate with the Holy Spirit, the fruits you desire will not be seen. Enrol today. It is not late.
temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa