Curious Pastoral Comment

The comment by that pastor was sorely mistaken. Conflict in any relationship happens because of misplaced expectations. We need to stop looking to other to make us feel like a man, for validation, for self-esteem, et al. People are people and will let us down. There us One who loves unconditionally and only His estimation of us matters. The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. It also says we are His craftsmanship created to do good works that He has prepared for us. It also says that we are loved.

1. Look to the Friend who sticks closer than a brother.
2. Concentrate on being obedient to what God has called you to be.
3. Let God convict your spouse.



Several years ago I was in serious rebellion. I was not loving my bride as I should. She was not respecting me as she should. Our marriage was all but over. Then she started listening to what God was telling her and she began respecting me when I did not deserve it. Her grace and mercy was used by God to humble and convict me. I thank God that we have one of the best marriages I know of and its not because we nag. It is not because we are anything special or that we did some hip new marriage program. It's because we are both devoted to learning from God and being the man and woman that God has called us to be according to His Word.

 

I don't know who or what the pastor meant by his comment, but I would doubt that he was thinking about the situations you mention. These type situations happen but i would probably doubt that he was thinking of those unrighteous needs when he made the comment.

I agree about divorce happening because of sin, but part of the problem is that husbands try to satisfy their own needs above their wives' spiritual, emotional and physical needs, which is sin because the husband is to love and give himself up for his wife.