Day 17
Yesterday we talked about the characteristics of love: patience, kindness, self-control, selflessness, &etc. MORE IMPORTANTLY, we discussed that those are the qualities of GOD because He.Is.Love. We cannot love our husbands, children, and others the way God loves us perfectly day in and day out because we're imperfect, sinful, selfish sinners. However, we can, and should, love others with the love that He is displaying through us. Our overspill should be CHRIST. If it is, we begin to love as He loved: selflessly.
The Law was nailed to the cross with Jesus (what an incredibly mercy of God), because we are incapable of keeping something so perfect and holy. We have one commandment. ONE. The gospel. Believe that Jesus died for our sins, in accordance with Scripture, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that there are witnesses who can attest to that (again, that's written in the Scriptures). (1 Corinthians 15:3-5) If you believe that Jesus is Lord you will be saved (Romans 10:9). We can do nothing for our salvation, it was the work of God, therefore all the glory goes to HIM. If our only commandment is to have faith in Christ alone, how do we live our life? As Christ lived it: selflessly. He came to serve. He came to give glory to God. And he lived this commandment perfectly: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and body.
The Israelites were so caught up in the 300 some odd Laws (and their own traditions) that it became a snare. Their hearts were far from God and that's what God wanted from them, their love. Because of the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ we are free to love God with all our heart, soul and mind because He saved us from what we deserve: hell.
I challenge the same from you. Do not become so legalistic that you expect your husband to obey what God's Word states about being a husband perfectly day in and day out. I've been guilty of thinking this, "YOU know what the Bible says! YOU know God's expectations for you as a husband! Why are you failing?" I suddenly became ever so guilty of what Paul was warning the Jews against in Romans 2, stop playing God! You who judge practice the very same things! I know what the Bible says about being a wife and yet I was not living it. Therefore, I was sinning against my husband two fold because 1. I was not being the wife God called me to be and 2. I was judging him for his sin rather than dealing with my own.
What does the Bible tell us to do as wives? There's a few things actually, but today I'm going to focus on one piece: loving your husband. Yesterday we talked about how love is a choice. Our emotions cannot be wrapped up in this love every day. To show love is to give of yourself. If you love God you give Him your LIFE. If you love your husband you do the same.
If you are called to love with all your heart, mind, body and soul. Do it. Love your husband with all your heart. When it's time to give him attention, give him your mind. FOCUS on him! Give him your body. It is his, just as his body is yours. Give it freely. (And yes, I'm talking about sex.) Today I'm challenging you to stop saying no. Deny yourself. And I can promise you that once you focus on enjoying your husband, you will in fact, enjoy him. Also, let him know it.
Here's the thing about giving your mind, heart, body and soul to your husband: it is a form of worship! Go back to Romans 12:1-2 in all of life we are called to use our minds and hearts and bodies to express the worth of God and all that He is for us in Jesus. Even while doing dishes. Even while cleaning the toilets. Even while folding laundry. Even while playing with our children. Even during the intimate moments with our husband. Do not hesitate enjoying him, God gave him to you for that purpose. Because enjoying him intimately is a picture of the relationship God has with us, we are ONE. This was a truth stated clear back in Genesis 2:24, today's task is to simply read it and then live it.
To put it more plainly: I'm telling you to stop being so selfish and have sex with your husband. (Is that clear enough?) Go ahead and giggle if you need to... ;)
I'm so excited you're willing to join me, but I encourage you to go in order: (there is a reason behind it all...)
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