Cartoon by Kim Casali

Resentful means easily provoked to anger or irritable; this is the word mentioned right before in this scripture passage (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), and the word we discussed on Friday.  So why is it mentioned twice?  Most likely because we might miss the point!

Irritations are easily rationalized.  We believe we have just cause to be resentful; otherwise we would be charitable.  Think about it – when was the last time you were “irritated” with your spouse?  Most likely you felt justified in your convictions.  But if you were to stop and think about this verse…would you feel as justified?  Probably not.  It’s God’s Word that helps us say “NO” to this kind of thinking.  God’s Word illumines the right path and helps us change!

We’re going to broach a subject we haven’t as of yet – sore spots.  Sore spots are areas where we are choosing to be resentful. Do you have an area of your relationship where you have chosen NOT to discuss?  Are there on going disagreements?  Do you choose to ignore rather than resolve?  May we encourage you to explore this topic using this Scripture as your foundation?  It may provide the reconciliation you’ve been unable to achieve.  God’s Word, when followed, gives us the direction we need.

When we choose to love each other the way God ordains, suddenly what mattered before doesn’t matter anymore. We realize we aren’t loving, and it’s easier to let go.  If love is NOT resentful, and if love is NOT a feeling, but a choice we make – then we can choose to change with God’s help.  He will honor prayers asking for help to be more loving.  We simply need to ask!

What areas have you chosen to ignore in your marriage? Ignoring them simply puts off the problem until it has a chance to grow so big it can’t be ignored.  Please pray for God to help you resolve this area once and for all.  It may not be fun, but the rewards will be worth it.