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Today’s guest post is from Devin Crawford. She is a pre-k teacher with a huge heart. She is an amazing follower of Christ who wants to share about the good news.
You may remember her from an interview we did late last year where she talked about being Christ like in Marriage.
“I love you” are words we say to our spouse on a regular basis. We say it when we hang up the phone or when we leave for work. But do we really mean them? Do we truly LOVE our spouse? Or do we love ourselves?
Ephesians 5:25 says Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. We know how we are supposed to love our spouse because Christ showed us in His love for the church. He did not say “I love you” and then go on complaining about all the things the church needs to do for Him. He also did not say “I love you” and then contradict Himself in another verse by bad mouthing the church of God. He loved us in His actions. He came down from a perfect place next to God, lived in this sinful world, then got on a cross and died a disgusting, horrible death for His church. Have you even come close to showing this type of love for your spouse? I know I haven’t. I get annoyed that I have to forgive him, yet again, for something as small as not doing the dishes.
Showing this kind of Christ-like love for your spouse can have beautiful results. When your spouse makes a mistake, think of it as your opportunity to show Christ to him or her. Before responding in anger, take a moment and ask how Christ would respond to you in this situation. I realize this is much easier said than done! My husband would be the first to verify that I am not excellent in this area, but starting something small can develop into a habit and hopefully you would agree that this is a good habit to have.
When you love your spouse as Christ loves the church, they’ll notice. Your wife will notice that you’ve started telling her that you love her just the way she is. Your husband will notice that you haven’t nagged him all week, but instead greeted him lovingly when he walked through the door. If you’ve loved them well and they have nothing to complain about, how can there not be peace in your home? Choosing to love your spouse over yourself is hard. You must put your pride aside and give in when you don’t want to, but it is what Christians are called to do. It is how we can have happy marriages. So ask yourself, do you love your spouse?
What is a way you show your spouse love?
Well said. Great post as usual True Agape.
Mart
Thank you Mary! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have to give credit to our guest wrier, Devin, though! She did a great job reminding us about true love!
This was pretty deep but it really resonated with me. I can only control my own reactions in situations and responding in kind, loving ways is most likely going to achieve the best results for my own happiness and his.