I suspect that a lot of us married folk may have gotten to a place we never thought we'd be, a place where something's not quite right. Many of us are dealing with conflict between husband and wife, daily. Many of us are hurting from broken hearts, furious that our expectations haven't been met, or vexed that all our efforts to help have gone virtually unnoticed. Some of us have "walled-off" our spouses or are building up our defenses, stiffening so that "this time" we won't get hurt again. Many of us have kids / teenagers / jobs / careers that cause enough conflict to exhaust a superhuman, and we feel we have little left for our spouse.
Unfortunately, this is life in a sin sick world. It's life, but it is not REAL life. We are Christians, and we are called, commanded even, to something better.
Husbands, are you loving your wives as Jesus loves the church? Are you sacrificing your time, needs, and pride to meet her needs? Are you helping her to see how beautiful she is, inside and out? Are you doling out back scratches and back rubs? ;-)
Wives, are you respecting your husbands, empowering them to lead? Are you showing him through words and physical contact that you think he is a great man? Are you giving him the freedom to work, to decide, and even to fail in an honest effort?
Husbands and Wives...are you?
Here's my challenge to us all: Read 1 Corinthians 13 (below). Then, break the "love list" down into parts. Find THREE ways from that list that you can love your spouse TODAY.
1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.If you succeed today, then do it tomorrow too.
5 comments:
You've hit the nail on the head with this one ! Well said, Mr. Batson. - Forgiven
even though I'm not married, I think that is GREAT advice. Keep going strong, Mr.Batson!
Even though I'm not married, you gave really great advice and help to people that are. Keep it going Mr.B!
These are some good things to think on. I am not married....far from it actually. I am 14 and I've never had a boyfriend or anything. I think these are good reminders even for a single person who is training to marry. I want to be the best I can be for my future husband so thank you for these pointers.
This is completely unrelated to the post, just so you know.
I just finished reading Sword in the Stars (for the second time) and I have begun The Errant King. Fabulous books so far, Mr. Batson! Well-written and fast paced, full of intriguing characters... (I marvel at how many amazing names you came up with for all the quotes and excerpts you put before each chapter!)
One thing I noticed, however, that I am not sure has been brought to your attention already: in the chapter Letters in War, Alastair says that Hagen and Darrow Kurtz were captured and slain. But, only a few chapters later, they appear in the story alive and well, and are also present in the beginning of Errant King. Was that intended -- as in, did they not actually die like Alastair thought -- or was that a mistake? Just wondering, because that wasn't explained.
Overall, though, you are definitely one of my favorite authors, and I love your books! Keep it up, and God bless!
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