Where are You?
Read Time: 2 min
One of the most damaging communication styles in a marriage is “stonewalling.” This happens when your spouse withdraws from the conversation and ignores you. When your husband or wife shuts you down by closing himself or herself off from you, it puts your relationship in a deep freeze. Even if you argue loudly, it’s better than completely avoiding your spouse because when your interaction drops to zero, there’s no way to move forward.
The next time you’re having a challenging conversation with your spouse or significant other, reflect on how you respond or don’t respond. Do you attack and then withdraw? Do you lean forward and respond? Do you criticize and then ignore their point of view? By God’s grace, don’t fall into the habit of walking away—unless you need a little time to cool off. Push yourself to eliminate unkind words or blame and learn to listen with empathy.
Even though God commanded Adam and Eve to stay away from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they chose to disobey. The Lord could have thrown up His hands and said, “Fine. Have it your way,” and then walked away. But love for the human race—a race that had now stepped into a great battle between good and evil—drove God forward. “The Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ ” (Genesis 3:9).
God’s involvement in the mess created by Adam and Eve displays His loving concern for our world. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The Holy Spirit was sent after Christ returned to heaven so that we would not be left alone as orphans (John 14:16). Even angels from heaven “minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).
In the end, God will not stonewall the sin problem and will ultimately bring it to an end. It is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory”
(1 Corinthians 15:54).
Apply It:
If you heard the voice of God ask you, “Where are you?” how would you respond?
Dig Deeper:
Genesis 3:6–19; John 15:13; Romans 5:8