Too Close? by David Jeremiah

Monday, May 30 Too Close? And the second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31 Recommended Reading 1 Peter 3:8-12 It’s easier to love people from afar when we experience them in small doses. Then, when they begin to wear on our nerves, we can retreat and take a break. This is one of the challenges and opportunities of marriage: there is less distance. Spouses sleep in the same bed, wake in the same house, and return to the same home each day. Great marriages do not happen by accident. It’s easy to drift into negative patterns, which can create distance and defensiveness toward one another. It takes intention and energy to grow and build a meaningful relationship. If we allow it to be, our marriage can be a catalyst for growth when we intentionally spend time reflecting on our marriage, forgiving and giving grace to one another, praying through areas of tension, and, perhaps most importantly, taking responsibility for our weaknesses, mistakes, and negative tendencies. When we surrender our marriage and relationships to God and seize the growth opportunities, God will transform our view of ourselves, our spouse, and our relationship. Whether married or single, will you invite God and His perspective into your relationships today? A Single Thought: As we walk in communion with God, we will see others as God sees them.