So many times we read the Bible and don’t take the time to ponder it or transform those thoughts into action. This morning I was reading and the message started going deep. As I read, I knew I needed to make changes in my life. I also knew the changes I made—with God’s strength—could transform what I consider a good marriage … into an even greater one.
1 John 3:16-22 (NASB)
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Lord, I know you’re not asking me to lay down my life in a physical way today, like take a bullet for someone or step in to be a hostage in a bank robbery, saving everyone else. But could you maybe be talking about my husband here? Like, maybe I should look at him and listen when he’s talking to me, instead of still scrolling through emails. Like maybe being the one to approach him with a twinkle in my eye, even though I’m tired and overwhelmed by my to-do list.
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
I’m good at this part, God. Well, at least better than with other commands. I run a support group and make sure teen moms have the diapers and clothes they need. I’ve given up some of my “goods” too, trying to focus more on you. But wait … in this passage you consider my husband as my “brother” too don’t you? Yeah, I guess that makes sense. He does need more quality time with me. He’s been asking about a date night for a while. He also needs me to help him run errands that he can’t get to when he’s at work. I suppose I’ve been putting those off.
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.
Lord, this reminds me again of how easy it is for me to tell my husband I love him, but how much harder it is to show that love and to live out that truth. Sometimes it’s the same with you God. It’s easy to say I love you. Or to buy a wall hanging with a Scripture verse on it and sing extra loud during worship at church. But it’s harder to do the things I know you’re asking of me. When I feel that “nudging” deep inside I need to do better at paying attention. Help me to do better in Your strength.
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
I think I’m onto something here. All those weeks, months and years that I’ve prayed for a better marriage, it seems those prayers would be answered if I did the things I ought, by: 1) laying down my life, 2) by meeting my husband’s needs, 3) by living out love in true ways—to him and to You.
I know now by your words that when my heart confirms I’ve been living this way my prayer(s) will be answered. I’m willing to do this, Lord. I want to try. I know you want to answer my prayers for a strong marriage just as much as I long to pray them. Start today, Lord—start with me—to make the desires of my heart reality.
Leave a Reply