Toy Stories: Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head — Love and Respect vs. Bitterness and Resentment - Friday
TODAY’S VERSE
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. (ESV)
My wife Beth and I rarely get to sit together in church. Honestly, it’s been that way for our entire marriage, as Sundays are a “workday” for me. My wife was “single” on Sunday mornings the entire time our kids were growing up, since I was always at church. And not once did I ever hear criticism from her about my job and its demands. Don’t get me wrong, Southland’s leadership encourages our staff to try and attend services as couples and families, but it doesn’t always work out that way, depending on the Sunday. About a week ago, I realized I had a little margin during the 11:15 service, so I was able to sit with Beth. It was one of those rare mornings when she would otherwise have been sitting alone. It was good to sit together during one of the messages in the teaching series we just wrapped up about men, women, and marriage. I found myself particularly grateful for my wife as we heard preaching about God’s intent for marriage.
Beth was initially surprised as I took a seat beside her during worship. She’s always grateful when we have the chance to sit together. She smiled and then whispered, “Did you get a communion cup?” I had forgotten, so I told her no. Toward the end of the service, it was time for communion. As the music played, Beth opened the top of the cup, took out the bread, broke it, and gave me half. She then carefully drank only half the juice so I would have some as well. It was such a kind gesture.
I’ve worked with couples before who were so at odds with each other that it wouldn’t surprise me if one had forgotten something like a communion cup for the other to say, “Sorry about your luck. You should have remembered to get one.”
A lasting marriage will be one where the husband and wife share Jesus with each other. It begins as we each surrender to Jesus, and out of that, love and respect are exchanged freely, leaving no room for bitterness or resentment.
APPLICATION
I heard a theologian speak about Satan’s hatred of marriage and family. Satan attacks viciously. If you and your spouse need help figuring out who the real adversary is, let us help.
PRAYER
Lord, help us rightfully see who the enemy is. Our spouse is not our adversary. Our marriage will only be as strong as we’re willing to offer Jesus to each other.
