What is wrong?

One of the exciting things about being married is that God reveals things to you through your spouse. The process of sanctification is a constant state but it is especially apparent within marriage. Being "called out" by my spouse is not something I particularly enjoy because Matt has either pointed out an area of weakness or sin in my life and yet it is something I desperately need (although I will readily admit I don't need it). I find it especially easy to make judgments about my spouse without allowing him to explain his original intention. I tend to think that my husband, who lovingly cares for me, is out to "get me," attack me and hurt me on purpose. Why do I think such horrible thoughts about the man who vowed to give his life for me and love me as Christ loves the church (although imperfectly of course)? Perhaps it is me who needs the reality check. I am "slowly" reminded of what God says in His word about the heart of men:

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" Jer. 17:9

And then I am also reminded that God in His mercy is gracious to those who believe in His Son:

"There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in use, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8: 1-4

I sometimes become so downtrodden with the sin in my life and I forget that there is hope in Christ. I also sometimes become prideful and think that I am the "only" person that does awful things and that God could never love someone like me. Yet I need to remember that:

"As it is written: None is righteous, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Romans 3: 10-12

Who am I to think that God doesn't love me? Or that I cannot be forgiven? We all are sinful and no one deserves God's love or grace. Although this is a simple thing to remember it's not really easy to apply. In Hebrews I am also reminded to hope in God and His promises because He is faithful:

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

So that is something I've been learning the last few weeks and have begun to realize more fully that life is not about my needs or desires or even being redeemed in Christ. Life is about the one who REDEEMS, the ONE who SAVES, the ONE who LOVES no matter a persons past, the ONE who FORGIVES, and the ONE who is sanctifying my heart because I can't. I cannot do anything apart from HIM! God is to be glorified in everything I do because He is the one who changes the wicked hearts of men.

Thank you Jesus and help me to glorify you even when I don't feel like it!

P.S.

All wives...read this post!