lots of love to the dear ladies in China and Philippines
When you have broken people trying to relate to other broken people in a broken world, there will be relationship issues. Sometimes those relationships are mended, and sometimes they aren't. I was talking with a friend who had worked hard to repair her relationship with her husband after financial infidelity. After he secretly drove the family deeply into debt and put major belongings in jeopardy, her trust in him regarding money matters was completely shattered. She loved him, so she worked with him to mend their marriage and rebuild the trust that was broken. The relationship changed, but she said it was actually better because of the financial infidelity.
What?! That goes contrary to thought!
It was because they both chose to work through their problems that they knew the other spouse loved them very much. His sin brought out the best in the relationship as it revealed how deeply committed they were to each other. They wanted each other more than looking for an easier relationship. Their love grew deeper because they saw the hurt they had both caused to the other and cared enough to make an effort fix it. After some time she said she would not go back and undo the past. Even though, what he did hurt her tremendously, it was through it that she saw how deeply they loved each other. Sometimes imperfections add beauty.
I've mulled that over and how it applies to all broken relationships. I think we make a critical mistake in wanting the past back. I agree with Socrates that, "The secret of of change is to focus all of your energy, not in fighting the old, but in building the new." We can not regain what was lost, but what can be built again by both sides thoughtfully putting God first can be greater than what was lost. It follows logical thought that if both sides are new creations in Christ, then their relationship can be new in Him too.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
I John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Psalm 149:4 For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
