Love and Respect

Ephesians 5:24-25 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house]. 25 Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (AMP)

Love grows.  It starts out as a small seedling.  You may not plant it in the best soil, but when cultivated with the proper nutrients, water and light it grows.  Respect grows.  It starts out as a small seedling as well.  It may not be planted in the best soil, but when cultivated with the proper nutrients, water and light it grows as well.  Love and Respect are capable of withstanding the harsh sunshine and rain, droughts and storms, and the vicissitudes of life when their roots are anchored in Christ Jesus.  Thou Gomer did not deserve to be loved by her husband, the LORD commanded Hosea to go and love his wife again.  Thou Nabal did not deserve to be respected, Abigail, his wife respected his position as husband.  She went to David to plead for his life.  Christ and the church’s relationship represent marriage.  Christ is the husbandman and we, the church, are His bride.  Love and respect are branches that are graced to be attached to the vine, Jesus Christ our LORD, which produces the beautiful fruit of a godly marriage.

Scripture References:  Hosea 3:1; I Samuel 25:1-38; Ephesians 5:24-25; John 15:5

Prayer for today:  Father, though neither of us deserves anything, thank you for showing us how to love and respect each other in our marriage.  In JESUS name, AMEN.

Whatever you must do today, there is a grace for that.  Accept the grace and make it a sweatless day.

Love              

Dianne