I don't know how I put up with you! This statement is made by people involved in close relationships. Its not made when we see eye to eye but when we are looking at the things of life from a different perspective.
Last nights study took a bit of a turn from our subject (pretty common) on faith. How do we demonstrate the love of Christ to those we love who do not know Him or may even be antagonistic to the faith. Our spouse, children, parents or siblings are now moved down our priority love list. The closer in relationship the person is the more confusing this change will be. "I never signed up this", is a common statement and why wouldn't it be, they're right?
1 Coritians 2 :14 says, "14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned".
When we attend church and Bible studies we see Christian couples interacting and involved in ministry. Our passion to follow and serve the Lord as a couple seems like an impossible dream. We even find ourselves losing respect for our spouse. Why can't he/she see? I am so frustrated. But don't forget, who's the one who changed. Our faith was a gift, (Ephesians 2: 8-9) and so will theirs be.
Jesus was so very patient with us, in the Gospel of John we are told,
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 15:12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
We as believers are called to love our spouses as Christ loved the church. One of our group gave us a great example of what that looks like last night. His wife has arthritis so each night he massages her legs and feet so she can sleep. What an example of loving our spouse. I am humbled. Did he sign up for that? Probably not, but what an example of love and support. Jesus did the same when He washed the disciples feet.
Our loved ones may not have been called as we have been but we must love them sacrificially as Christ loved us when we were yet sinners, Romans 5:8. They will be won as they see Christ in us. (I Corinthians 5:13-16, Ephesians 5:22-26, Colossians 3:18-25, Colossians 3:18-25)
If you are struggling and looking for a group of believers to come along side of you for support and encouragement, please check out Denmark Bible Fellowship. We care because of Christ's mercy and grace.
In His Love,
Al
