James Kraft

One thing I have learned in my 62 years of marriage. We are all flawed. We have an old sinful nature that is going to be with us till we die and get our new sinless nature.

Before we are married we only see what we want to see in the other person. After we are married we find out they are no different than we are. Sinners saved by grace. First John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the TRUTH is not in us.

So, what I have learned is to forgive and forget because I do the same things. We both disappoint each other at times. How can I not forgive what my wife has done when I do the same things.

And since God has forgiven me all my trespasses, Colossians 2:13, how can I not forgive all her trespasses?

When two people get married, it is the marriage of two sinners. We are going to disappoint each other at times. But we do not quit loving the other person because we realize we are no different.

Oh yes. I have even been known to throw things in a fit of anger, and ten minutes later be hugging my wife and asking for her forgiveness.

Now we are both in our 80's and are kind of stuck with each other. No one else would have us. There is nothing in the world that can compare with staying with the wife of your youth.

Our love has grown to where we are not happy apart. We still have our same old faults and weaknesess, but we both have them. So we love one another. We are both sinners saved by grace. Ephesians 2:8-9. Romans 11:6. Romans 4:5.

Saved by faith alone apart from works. But rewarded in heaven for our works. First Corinthians 3:11-15.

Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands with love and respect.

Gods plan always works.

Now do not tell me your marriage is always sunshine and roses because I know you have an old sinful nature and you are not perfect in the flesh, only in the Spirit. Romans 4:6

But stay together anyway. The rewards in old age are priceless. Remember. God instituted marriage before the church. Do not let the church destroy your marriage. Churches can take all your time away from spending time with your wife and your kids. Keep the first things first. The rest will take care of itself.

Wisdom does not come until later in life. Then we can look back and see what we should have done instead of what we did.

February 28 2022 • Report