When did you first say Yes to Jesus? Last weekend in church? Years ago, when you were a child? When you were in the middle of a mess? So long ago you can’t remember NOT having said Yes to Jesus?
The honeymoon is over. You’ve settled into the routine of life. Small irritations and disappointments seem all too common. Life, and married life in particular, seems harder than you expected. And when you and/or your spouse come home after a challenging day, you’re in a bad mood.
Does “Jesus loves you” mean you can get away with stuff? If not, who determines what’s OK and not OK? Does forgiveness mean you’re off the hook? Does behavior matter? We as humans, and as Christians, can easily fall into the ditch on either side of the holiness path. But there is a way to avoid both cheap grace and legalism.
The marriage of someone close to you is in serious trouble. You may be tempted to tell your friend, “Why don’t you just leave the @#$%?!” Or perhaps your response is, “God hates divorce. You’ll have to learn to live with this situation.” Human relationships are complicated. How can you help a struggling marriage?
Jesus promised His followers two things: trouble – and peace. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) So trouble should not be a surprise for any of us. Yet many believers struggle to keep your faith when things are bad.
