A tough conversation. An argument. A thoughtless act. Then, one thing in the marriage gets off track.
The couple starts talking less. Then what happens? They start having sex less. Then they don’t spend as much time together.
Communication gets off track, and then the dominoes start to fall: sex, dating, service, generosity. Before you know it, the couple becomes isolated from one another, and everything seems to be going wrong.
Often, the misery of disconnection motivates one spouse to move toward the other and start getting things moving in the right direction. Other times, the marriage plunges into crisis and eventually divorce.
So, how do we avoid the Domino Effect?
We do it through the grace of God.
If one area gets off track, we intentionally do well in other areas.
We aren’t coming together physically. Instead of withdrawing, the offended spouse schedules a date and intentionally communicates.
We aren’t talking much and seem to be getting on each other’s nerves. Instead of withdrawing, the offended spouse pursues physical intimacy.
Pursuit is the choice instead of withdrawal.
The Domino Principle plays out in so many marriages. However, maturity, grace, and intentional pursuit can prevent it.
When we choose pursuit instead of allowing the dominoes to fall, Christ’s ministry of reconciliation is put on display.
So, when you’re offended, choose love. Choose grace. Choose pursuit.
