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Ease Off The Pressure
Ephesians 4:2 'Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.' (NIV)
 Many relationships fail, not because people expect too little from them but because they expect too much. This is true of many friendships and business partnerships, but it is also true of many marriages. Some married people expect their partner to meet most of the deepest felt needs. When that doesn't happen, they feel disillusioned and disappointed and begin to wonder whether they have married the right person. The fact is, no human being can never meet our deepest needs for love, understanding, acceptance and forgiveness. Only the Lord can fill that ache within our soul. That is not to say that marriage cannot be a profoundly blessed relationship. In fact, marriage is so highly esteemed by God that he has established it in his word as a symbol, a type, of the church's relationship to Jesus. Marriage is probably the most profound of all the relationships that are possible between human beings and it is a great sign of God's grace and favour. We should not undervalue marriage -- casting its aside whenever we feel like it -- but, at the same time, we must not put pressure on a marriage partner by expecting them to do for us what only a close relationship with God can do. If we keep our walk with God as the first priority of our hearts, we will build marriages that last and stand the test of time.
Prayer: 'Lord, help me to build the kind of relationships that both enrich my life and honour you. Help me never to expect from another human being what only you can provide.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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I thoroughly loved reading The Joseph Chronicles, and found it to be very encouraging. Mal, you're more than an inspiration - you're a catalyst for change.
Tracey, Australia
I appreciated reading about the great visionary, Martin Luther King Jnr, in Daily Recharge...I'm an avid follower of Recharge, finding it to be a healing and refreshing meditation.
Kathy, United States
Hi there. I watched your EDGES programme today about fear. It was very interesting and was, I thought, presented in a very intelligent way.
Helena
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