Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- February 3, 2012
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
What does it mean to be devoted in love and to honor another above myself? It is much more than being selfless—I gladly prefer to put another’s needs ahead of my own. Because I hold the relationship in such high esteem, I want them to feel the power of being preferred over my agenda or expectations. In marriage devoted love matters most.
Husbands who love by engaging their wife’s emotions grow in patience and understanding. The insensitive coldly dismiss and dishonor a loved one’s concerns, but a true lover looks for ways to work things out for their spouse’s benefit. A wife honors her husband when she seeks to know his work world and empathize with his challenges. Only you, with love and honor, can uniquely meet certain God-given needs in your spouse.
“Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.” Song of Songs 2:3-4
Devotion to one another flows out of our devotion to the Lord. The more we allow Jesus to love us, the more we have capacity to love others. Our heavenly Father waits patiently to hear our hearts and then opens His heart of healing grace, insightful wisdom, caring conviction and patient forgiveness. We honor Him to honor others.
Is your devotion to the almighty dollar or to Almighty God? Do you honor heaven’s agenda over the ways of the world? Your selfless devotion to family, friends and faith forever marks them with your Master’s fingerprints of love and honor. Therefore, make it your goal to grow your relationships in love, honor and glad service for God. A sense of superiority has no home in relationships—love esteems others above themselves.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4
How can I love and honor my spouse at their current point of need?
Related Readings: Proverbs 21:21; Isaiah 43:4; 1 Peter 2:17; 2 Peter 1:17
Post/Tweet this today: Only you can uniquely meet certain God-given needs in your spouse. #marriage
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