Ephesian 4:1-21 therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2- with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Not many people realize that marriage is a calling. In fact, the majority of people marry for reasons outside of that. But we can look at marriage as God’s way of letting us practice loving someone unconditionally. Without any strings. This way we will understand how He loves us,
When a spouse is tender, giving and attentive to their partner, it’s easy to love them and reciprocate love in return. It’s easy to be patient, kind, and proud of them. Even boastful. These are the attributes of a “God nature”. However, when a spouse ignores their partner, doesn’t sacrifice their own wants, needs and desires, or doesn’t put in work to have a healthy relationship, problems begin. When one expects to always get their way and not give of themselves, the partnership does not flourish. This must be how our heavenly father feels every day – about His great love for mankind. After all, we were created by Him, for Him. Not just for worship but equally as important, for relationship. When we ignore God and don’t talk to Him, we compromise the relationship. When He^(t)s not consulted and put first in our lives, He doesn^(’)t feel important to us. We treat our creator like a fast-food drive thru when we show up only when we want something right now. Our Father might feel insignificant. Wouldn’t you? Yet, He still loves us, gives us gifts. He shows us grace and mercy. Grants us favor all while getting less to nothing in return.
Let’s do better starting right now. As we practice the attributes of His Love, act as if we are actually performing in His presence. But remember that we won’t have an opportunity for that stage if we’re not successful in our dress rehearsal here on earth. Return to our first love. Treat marriage as a calling not only for your partner, but also for God, by God, He is the only one who can demonstrate that unconditional love – AGAPE LOVE,
Father, help me to understand the attributes of your love. Help me to demonstrate to my partner the purity of the love you require. In doing so I will be a witness to others of what you require and your goodness and love for us all.