Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Did I mention that I am studying and meditating on an expanded list of virtues? If they pertain to life, they pertain to marriage, so let’s discuss two of them, respect and self-control.
How easy it is in marriage to inflate ourselves with self-righteousness and become disrespectful to our spouse as a result of a lack of self-control. How easy it is to judge, air grievances, and create a punitive sentence! We slam shut the door to our heart, or force the other to do so in self-defense. When our burdens are the heaviest, be they emotional or physical, self-control is the hardest. Let’s turn to Jesus and Mary who did not lose self-control when they were faced with unimaginable crosses, but rather, remained steadfast in endurance, love, and trust.
For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if [I] do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. Romans 7:20
Lord, how often we can default to “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” How often do we let anger take control of our emotions and actions? How often do we poison the air with our words? How often do we justify our unwise and uncharitable actions by blaming another? Clearly, we are in need of your grace. Help free us from sin and grant us all we need to grow in virtue. Teach us to love others as you love us, with kindness, compassion, and gentleness. Grant us the self-control you and your Mother Mary had, trusting and resting in the secure arms of the Father and leaving all judgement to Him, while still praying for your persecutors. Walk with us Lord; show us the way. Amen.
Do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:13
Prayer is the ultimate weapon against Satan, and our best weapon. Keep praying for marriages, especially those in the most need.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
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