This problem is exacerbated when you, or your spouse, [bear] some of the fault for the crisis. In fact, we have learned that times such as this put a huge strain on [a] marriage. The spouse that we hope will give us support cannot offer it because they too are obsessed with their pain. And if they share some of the guilt, they can become the focus of our anger so at the same time they feel the oppression of guilt. For this reason, it seems many otherwise stable marriages become unraveled when tragedy strikes. We know divorce rates go up for people under marital and emotional stress.
When dealing with major life crises, let God handle what you and your spouse cannot. In the Bible, there’s an example of a tragedy that was caused by the guilt of the key party — David. In that light, we will ask the question, “How should you deal with a crisis in which you bear some responsibility?”
David commits adultery with another man’s wife and when he learns she is pregnant he orders the death of her husband by sending him to the front line of battle. Soon after the birth, the child was struck ill. David pleaded for the life of the child. On the seventh day, the child died.
1. Accept full responsibility for your guilt (Pss. 51:1–5)
2. Let go of what happened and move on (Pss. 51:6–13)
3. Praise God for His forgiveness and unfailing love. (Pss. 51:14–19)
- Every marriage will have at least one crisis that will put it to the test. Some of these tests are no fault of anyone; things like miscarriages, loss of a child, job loss, economic stress, etc. At such times we must learn that we cannot always depend on our spouse for support, in that they are hurting as well. We must turn to God and draw our strength from him.
- There may be times in your marriage when you or your spouse has created a crisis due to your own sinfulness, stupidity, or incompetence. In such cases, the one who is guilty must look to David as your model by accepting full responsibility, repenting, and allowing God to restore your soul so that you can move on.
- If you are the spouse who was not at fault, you must forgive yourself and let go of your anger, so you don’t keep holding against your partner. While caution and protection are in order, constantly reminding him or her of the offense does little to restore the relationship.
