The link is a mysterious one which binds human hearts together so that the feelings, tastes, and principles of two individuals are closely blended. One catches the spirit and copies the ways and acts of the other. As wax retains the figure of the seal, so the mind retains the impression produced by intercourse and association. The influence may be unconscious, yet it is no less powerful. Jesus is acquainted with the desires of the human heart, and the Bible is given us to direct them into the proper channel. (Song of Solomon 7:10/Proverbs 22:24,25/Acts 2:46,4:32/Psalms 44:21/Matthew 9:4/Colossians 2:2/Revelation 17:12,13)
The desire for love and sympathy is implanted in the heart by God Himself. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4) Love to God purifies and ennobles every taste and every desire, intensifies every affection, and brightens every worthy pleasure.
It is the hope that this new series of posts will provide insight into the heart of relationships, especially the marriage relationship. Here we will provide some of the tools for and stimulate the desire for improvement. When it comes to relationships, of all the persons best qualified to give counsel and advice regarding a relationship, no one is more qualified than those who have had the most experience and greatest success in maintaining, nurturing and enjoying loving relationships.
It is for this reason that we will rely mostly upon the counsel of God, of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit who have ever lived together in perfect harmony from eternity past right up until the present time. Hence, their counsel regarding all relationships is beyond any human estimate.
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him ? With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding ? (Isaiah 40:13,14)
Neither the Spirit of the Lord, Jesus Christ nor our heavenly Father need counselors to instruct them or teach them knowledge. Nor do they have to be shown the way of understanding.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. (Psalms 147:5)
Without question, it is clear that the breadth and depth of God's understanding and experience more than adequately qualifies Him to be the ultimate Counselor regarding every area of life, including and especially marriage. Even more importantly, the love of our heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ revealed at the cross of Calvary qualify them as safe counselors. And so God says...
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. Every purpose is established by counsel: (Proverbs 19:20, 20:18)
Why are relationships important ? What is the purpose of the husband ? What is the purpose of the wife ? Here again, we will emphasize the importance of counsel.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (Proverbs 15:22)
How can we be sure that the best counsel and counselors are chosen ? Notice the words of Scripture that serve to guide us in our selection...
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. (Psalms 119:24)
The Lord's testimonies are the counselors that can establish any holy purpose. In order for the marriage of husband and wife to reach its full potential, they should strive to learn their needs and purposes according from God's counselors.
By the grace of God, we will continue this study in another post.
T.K.
© 2009 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
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