‘Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. ‘ Romans 12:15(NLT)
‘When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. ‘ Job 2:11(NLT)
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ‘ Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)
‘But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.’ Psalms 73:28(NLT)
‘Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.’ Psalms 119:50(NLT)
As a church, we have to help the offending party realize that God’s forgiveness is real. Just like it is written in 1st John 1:9,” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Forgiveness is real! And then, we need to help both parties look to the future with hope. Sometimes people feel like they’ve failed in a way that they can never recover from. We need to help them see that not only can the Lord restore, He can actually make your marriage better than it’s ever been. He is able to do that. We’re not looking at what we’re able to do, but what He is able to do.
Some couples want to leave the church when this happens, but I don’t think that isolation is ever the answer when you’re going through tribulation. If anytime you need the body of Christ, is at those tough times. That is why Paul urges us to, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Church, we must be willing to forgive and be like Job’s friends before they started talking. They were wonderful counselors before they started talking. They sat with him. They were there with him. Romans 12 says, “We weep with those who weep…” and as we’re doing that type of ministry, we have the opportunity to say, “Listen, we’re not trying to take away your grief. What we want to do is help you walk through maturity through this. Because God is up to something good even though something bad is happening. Let’s identify what that is. Let’s help you grow in your sanctification in this process together.”
Forgiveness is real and God’s power is real. Let’s look to Him in hope.
from Restoring A Broken Marriage