Pride & Joy

PRIDE & JOY

By: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“A good wife is her husband's pride and joy; but a wife who brings shame on her husband is like a cancer in his bones.” – Proverbs 12:4 GNT

Having lost a husband to cancer, this verse hits my heart. I shudder at the thought of being like a cancer to ANYONE, let alone those who are closest to me.

We all make mistakes and conflicts arise in life.  When they do and we are in need of counsel or comfort, we arrive at a crossroad in relationship.  At that crossroad we can choose to either to bless or curse the relationship by the words we use in sharing our pain.  We have all heard prayer requests that were thinly-veiled excuses for gossip or characters assassination—an indulgence that invites destruction.  Wisdom chooses blessing through confidential sharing with the motivations of unselfish love and a desire to honor.

The Lord knows all there is to know about us, yet He always speaks well of us.  He
calls us beloved, forgiven and His treasure.  We have sinned against Him countless times, but day after day He joyfully extends to us the same lavish grace and mercy.  True love believes the best and covers a multitude of sins.

I want a heart like that.  How about you?

Father, do a work in us!  Exchange our tendency to judge and gossip for the heart of Jesus that confronts with compassion and gentleness.  When we are hurt, remind us where You found us, so we will be quick to forgive and point to the cross.  When we struggle to love, pour out Your love through us.

Lord, make us honorable in relationship.  Replace a heart of stone for a heart of flesh, and a desire to punish with a passion to bless.  Silence disparaging words and strengthen us to take up our cross.  We crown You as King, deliverer, the healer of the sick and restorer of what is broken.

Lover of our soul, as Your Bride, we want to honor You and those who are created in Your image.  Purify our hearts, and raise up within us a Bride who is Your pride and joy.   In Jesus’ Name ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

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