Jehovah's Witnesses Straight Talk - Forum/Blog

Col.3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them.

Why do we get bitter, interesting choice of words Paul uses regarding husbands and wives? Bitterness really is a byproduct of not being appreciated. In other words, no matter what a person does it not enough, and/or good enough, it is expected, that is, demanded!

James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth.
3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.

Many men in today's world find themselves slaves to a wives whims because of the oppression of woman in the past - perfection is now expected of men. Entertainment has promoted the perfect man image for years, where he is expected at each turn a to meet a woman's needs and wants uncomplainingly.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

This unrealistic expectation brings with it bitterness, just as any person from children to adults cannot be treated without love and respect. but Paul in this context of his writing takes one to a higher place that of being in Christ having a new personality, not a slave to another person selfish needs, or unrealistic wants in this world. Paul takes them to what Christ is, what his personality does in us.

Ephesians 4:2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;

Christ empty himself for us, from riches becoming poor to save us, both men and woman in Christ must do the same for each other if they are a Christian's in Christ. This conduct is noted by the children setting an example of truth and Spirit in pure worship which is everlasting. Men cannot become bitter, but neither can the woman in Christ. Neither can either of them become demanding of a mate if they are in Christ walking in love.

Colossians 3:14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.

1 Timothy 2:15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.

Neither can their marriage become a competition trying to defeat the other in better works to put the others down. In other words, they cannot have a conduct with their mate differently than what Christ has with them in Spirit and truth because both belong to the same body. Neither can material things be the pursuit of their relationship and be in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Hebrews 13:5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."{Deuteronomy 31:6}

They are one with each other and are standing before our heavenly Father in Christ as one. In that relationship they will find the love of Christ filling their hearts and peace with each other. This is the standard of those married in Christ, not those seeking the other interested in this life in material pursuits. Such is not the case in today's world, nor will it be, but its is God's standards when couples claim to be a Christian's in Christ.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn't the Father's, but is the world's.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

When men or woman want their mate to be something other than a Christlike person, but instead pursuing the love of the world, going into debt, not being satisfied with God provides for them, there will be much tribulation in the flesh. Having a picture of what the world calls a politically correct man to measure him against worldly standards, instead of Christ, is contrary to the very Spirit that indwells him as belonging to Christ, nothing good will come from such fleshly thinking.

Rom.13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 13:9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet,"{TR adds "You shall not give false testimony,"}{Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21} and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."{Leviticus 19:18}

Romans 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

See also: www.nu-truth.com