In my ministry of Bible teaching (50 yrs.) and counseling nationwide (25 yrs.), people contact me that are hurting emotionally, spiritually and relationally because of current or past painful events in their lives. This heartfelt brokenness is the result of grief issues, sexual abuse, divorce, porn addiction, anxiety, adoption, verbal and emotional abuse, depression, etc.
Why do bad things happen to innocent or good people? Sinful conduct comes from an unholy heart. Our words and actions reveal our hearts. People who speak evil will do evil. Critical people speak critical words that are emotionally damaging to children. Sin entered the heart of man from the choice to disobey God in the Garden of Eden.
If a person fills their eye-gate and ear-gate with unholy content, their heart, words and actions will be unholy. This unholiness bleeds into every relationship beginning with God. This is why God commanded us to love Him with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to purify ourselves even as He is pure. The Holy Ghost does not force us to be holy. Our words and conduct are by our own choice.
If you are in a marriage that has continual conflict, each person must search his/her own heart. Don’t blame your partner. Ask yourself, “God, are my actions holy? Is my heart clean before you? Am I setting evil, wicked or worthless things before my eyes?” You must take ownership of your own conduct.
A person who is a porn user is filling his/her heart with the lust of the eye and flesh. This creates a tortured soul because of the broken relationship with God. Harmful anger and friction will flow to others because of this unholy heart.
My book: God’s Design for Marriage (soft cover on website or eBook: amazon.com), addresses holy living. A holy heart must be in total surrender to God. Put off sin and put on a holy heart through God’s Word and Spirit!
Carol Clemans provides nationwide teaching for churches plus counseling by phone/Skype (636) 448-012, www.carolclemans.org – read ‘about ministry’ page, 380+ articles, marriage book, teaching products – carol@carolclemans.org. Ref: Pastor Daniel Batchelor, Dupo, IL.