What To Do When You Married The Wrong Person #preaching
What To Do When You Married The Wrong Person
Good morning, dear friends! You know, it’s a funny thing about marriage. Before I tie the knot, someone gave me a piece of advice. They said, "Marriage is a 50/50 partnership." After a few years of marriage, I realized they were right - it was 50% joy, 50% confusion, and yes, I know that makes it 100%. That's exactly how confusing marriage can be sometimes!
Our scripture for today comes from 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” And oh boy, don't we know it's true, especially in the realm of marriage!
The feeling of having married the 'wrong person' can stem from various circumstances. But in this feeling, we can find solace in the story of Hosea. God commanded Hosea to marry a woman named Gomer, who would prove unfaithful to him. The pain Hosea felt was a reflection of God's own pain when His people were unfaithful to Him.
Yet, God instructed Hosea to love Gomer regardless, just as He continued to love His people despite their sins. It was not about the right or wrong person, but about unconditional love and the commitment made before God.
God does not promise that the person we marry will always meet our expectations, fulfill our dreams, or make us happy. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 7:28, Paul tells us, “But those who marry will face many troubles in this life...”
The essence of Christian marriage is a covenant of grace and sacrificial love, much like Christ's love for us. Ephesians 5:25 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." This is not a conditional love, based on whether we deem our spouse the 'right' or 'wrong' person. It's a love that reflects Christ's love for us, despite our many faults.
If you feel like you've married the 'wrong person', it might be more about your perspective than your spouse. Reflect on your expectations, consider the pressures and stressors in your life that might be influencing your feelings. Look for ways to grow together in grace and understanding.
Most importantly, invite God into your relationship. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Let’s pray together. Dear Lord, we ask for your guidance and wisdom in our marriages. Help us to see our spouses through Your eyes. Give us the strength to choose love, even when it's hard. We trust in You to lead us through our challenges. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.