Friday, July 25, 2024

HOW TO HANDLE THE THIRD PARTY

Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 12:18

Exposition

Third parties are established when they meet the needs of one of the couple in a marriage. Someone made a statement that “relationships are not destroyed by the third person; they are destroyed by the person who entertains the third person.” Couples must consciously decide to rely on each other for any support they need. It shouldn’t happen that a third party’s stance on an issue prevails over the opinion of your spouse. Marriage is between two mature people, so as much as possible resolve your conflicts and take your own decisions without involving a third party. Plan your lives together and have faith in each other, refrain from seeking the approval or endorsement of a third party be it a parent or a friend. Persistent intrusion of a third party is sure to separate what God has joined together.

If there is a third party hovering over your relationship, do the following:

i) Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

ii) Have a candid discussion with your spouse about how you feel concerning the involvement of the third party in your relationship.

iii) Be patient with each other and probe as to what has got you to this point.

iv) Agree upon which actions to take to limit the influence of the third party.

v) Do not give attention to the third party anymore.

vi) Do not seek their opinion or endorsement concerning any issue.

vii) Don’t discuss your marriage anymore with them.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (especially your spouse).

Prayer Guide: Heavenly father, have mercy upon me and keep every intruder out of my marriage.

Memory Verse For This Week: Matthew 19:6 (NIV) – “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

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