How To Treat Your Spouse Who Walked Out
by Dr. Gary Chapman

This week, I've been talking to those whose spouse has walked out.  It is one of life's most painful experiences.  I've been emphasizing that the most important thing you can do is to seek God's help.  God's ideas are often very different from man's ideas.   

We are hurt, angry, and frustrated by the actions of our spouse, but how should we respond?  Man's idea is to lash out and repay them for the hurt they have caused us.   

God's idea is to lovingly confront them and hope that they will repent so that we can forgive them and be reconciled. 

God's idea is to be kind to them, even if they choose not to repent.  If they continue in their sin, we turn them over to God, knowing that He is a just judge.  We do not take revenge into our own hands.  "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord.   

God's way is to return good for evil.  This does not make the person repent, but it does demonstrate God's way, and it makes us able to look God in the face and see His smile.

Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman.  Based on the book,  Hope for the Separated by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishing.  For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here.