Tolerance: The Secret of a Happy Married Life (Part One)

"A husband must learn to tolerate his wife’s infirmities because in doing so he either cures her or makes himself better." (Jeremy Taylor) By the same token, A wife must learn to tolerate her husband’s infirmities because in doing so, she either cures him or makes herself better. That sounds like a fair deal. Doesn’t it?

"As long as you think the problem is out there, that very thought is the problem." - Stephen Covey.

The only guarantee in any marriage is there will be things you think you cannot tolerate. There will be things strange to your personality, upbringing, and disposition. Those are not reasons to go AWOL. Those are opportunities to grow. You did not marry the wrong person. You married the right person who has created an opportunity for you to grow. Welcome to the real world. Welcome to the party.

"The goal of marriage is not to think alike, but to think together." - Robert C. Dodds.

Marriage is God’s classroom to grow us - to make us whole - matured and complete. Ever wondered why it is easier to be nice to people outside your home. Ever wondered the meaning and or essence of the old saying “Charity begins at home?” Charity (love) does not begin in your office. All you do there is an act - you simply fit into the manuscript. You act up because of the consequences of doing otherwise.

Charity does not begin in the church. Everyone wears a mask. Everyone seeks to fit into the “holy” mold and in the good book of their pastor. The respect they do not give to their spouse they are out falling over one another to give to their pastor. They do these all in deception, trying to score a point. That is all too easy. It is in the human lower nature to play religion. That is no proof of true character.

"A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance, and tenacity. The order varies for any given year." - Paul Sweeney.

Charity begins at home. That is where the rubber meets the road. That is where all the masks are off. That is where you live your own manuscript. That is where flesh meets flesh. That is where humanity meets humanity. That is where the rough edges and egos rub against one another. That is where the heat is generated. That is where the wounds go deep. That is where the true battle of life takes place. 

"A successful marriage isn’t the union of two perfect people. It’s that of two imperfect people who have learned the value of forgiveness and grace." - Darlene Schacht.

There is no easy way around that battle. Obviously, a lot of people are deceived, thinking there are. So, how do the various people handle it? Stay tuned as we dig a little deeper.

© 2018 Akin Akinbodunse.

Links to the Study Series:

Tolerance: The Secret of a Happy Married Life (Part Two)

Links to Related Articles:

Marriage - Why Are You in It?

What Holds Marriages Together