A Glad Heart Makes a Happy Face

Proverbs 15:13 (NLT)
“A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.”

Eric and Emma were MIA at Clara’s big shindig last weekend, and it wasn’t lost on anyone. These two are usually the first to arrive, with Emma staking her claim in the kitchen to keep tabs on Eric. They’ve been hitched for six years now, but what sticks out like a sore thumb is the tension between them.

Eric shattered Emma’s heart when she found out he’d been two-timing her a week before they tied the knot. The betrayal hit her hard, and she kicks herself for not spotting the signs earlier. “My marriage means the world to me, but sometimes I can’t shake off the hurt,” she admits.

When a marriage begins with feelings of insecurity and doubt in the other partner, those feelings don’t disappear. They linger and can intensify, bringing distrust into encounters and experiences that should be filled with joy. Our Heavenly Father advises us in Proverbs 4:23(NLT): “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This verse tells us that we should prioritize guarding our hearts because it holds immense power over the direction our lives take. The heart is the seat of our being, driving our actions and decisions. It’s an internal reality, and as such, it’s our responsibility and privilege to protect this inner realm from influences that can harm us spiritually and emotionally.

God tells us in Ephesians 4:31-32(NLT): “31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Forgiveness is a benchmark in the example of Christ. It’s a profound virtue that can transform lives and relationships. At its core, it’s about letting go of resentment, vengeance, and anger toward someone that has wronged us. It’s grabbing onto faith, and releasing any fears and anxiety that we have. Emma found this very challenging to do.

Emma’s fear of being hurt again was not only damaging her relationship with Eric, but more concerning, it was also eroding her relationship with God. Her paranoia about Eric’s actions consumed her thoughts, infiltrating even the most mundane activities like trips to the grocery store, which became battlegrounds for accusations. Eric, constantly under Emma’s scrutiny, grew anxious about interacting with any women he knew, fearing her relentless questioning. Without realizing it, Emma had adopted a rigid stance against forgiveness, hindering both her own heart and the possibility of healing in their relationship.

Our powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ teaches us in Mark 11:25 (NLT): “25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a display of strength and resilience. It takes guts to forgive someone who’s hurt us deeply. When we choose to forgive, we’re not just letting go of the past; we’re also reaffirming our faith and refusing to let pain dictate our lives.

Forgiveness isn’t just about us; it sets off a chain reaction that can break the cycle of hurt and retaliation. It paves the way for Christ to reign supreme in our relationships. Holding onto grudges can mess with our spiritual and emotional well-being, but when we choose love through forgiveness, it’s like flipping a switch! It transforms us, bringing smiles back to our faces and joy back to our hearts.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

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