You were created to be satisfied only in God’s presence. Don’t feed grief because the things you want will not satisfy you. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other.” (Luke 16:13)
13. Shame
God’s Spirit convicts us when we sin; He doesn’t shame us for our mistakes. Embrace [the] fact that Jesus’ grace will set you free from the shame you feel. “I live in disgrace all day long and my face is covered with shame.” (Psalm 44:15)
14. Anger
If you have a short fuse, you need to find out why and stop making excuses. Get help to overcome this destructive and addictive habit. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)
15. Dishonesty
Never lie, mislead, or deceive your spouse; don’t keep secrets because it will drive a wedge between you. Plus, one falsehood always births another one. “Do not lie to each other.” (Colossians 3:9)
16. Worldliness
When your hearts [pine] for recognition, wealth, and beauty, you will believe that your worth is attached to who you are and what you do; and the more you doubt your worth, the more you will find your spouse to be unsatisfactory. “Teaching us, that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.” (Titus 2:12)
17. Pride
Here lies the root of all conflict, insecurities, and sin. So instead of thinking about yourself, spend your energy and love by giving your spouse grace and love. “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found with those who take advice.” (Proverbs 13:10)
18. Disappointment
When hard times hit, you might feel that your spouse has not done enough to make you happy. Take a look at where you place your hope; if it’s not God, you will continually struggle with disappointment. Start praising God for all His provision, and your disappointment will vanish. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5)
19. Different Priorities/Value System
You and your spouse may live by opposite standards, which can cause contention and frustration. Try to remember that God holds you accountable for your actions; live your life and don’t focus on what your spouse is doing or not doing. “How can a young person stay on a path to purity? By living according to your word? I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” (Psalm 119:10-11)
20. Self-image
If you suffer from low self-esteem, the solution is not to love yourself more — it’s to love God and thank Him for His ongoing work in your life. Let God transform you into His image; embrace your process, instead of comparing yourself to others. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)
About the Author: Sue Schlesman is a Christian writer, teacher, and speaker. Her blogs, fiction, and non-fiction reach a wide audience. You can find her philosophizing about life, education, family, and Jesus at www.susanwalleyschlesman.com and www.7prayersthatwork.com.