To the Young Couple Thinking About Marriage,
I love that you care for each other so much. I think that's great! But are you really ready for marriage? Do you really understand how big of a commitment it is? Perhaps you could take a moment to consider.
In Ephesians 5:22-24, Paul tells us that the wife is to submit to the husband just as the Church submits to Christ. This word "submit" means to obey. Obeying someone is a very humbling task, even as naive children we struggle with this command which is given to us for our own protection. As a human being in the flesh, we don't naturally give up our pride and willingness to control, it is a learned characteristic.
As a woman who has been called by God to submit and obey to your husband, I ask you--can you willingly follow this man? Do you trust his discernment and guidance. Is he walking with the Lord and digging so deep into the Word that you know without a shadow of a doubt that he has what it takes to fearlessly lead you? It takes a lot for a woman to give up her right to power and control, but fully trusting God shows us peace, contentment, and freedom in letting go. In the same way, you must promise to let go of the reigns as your husband fearlessly and courageously leads you closer to Christ.
Speaking of you Mr. Husband, verses 25-30 explain that the husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. This is huge! I pray that you have grounded yourself so deeply in the Word of God that you know without any doubt, that your God will lead you as you lead her through this life. I also pray that you can honestly say you love her to the point that you would give up your life for her as Christ did the church. Yes, the Bible undoubtedly gives you the right to command and lead, but it also calls you to deny yourself in honor to please her and love her.
Finally, Philippians 2:3-4 tells both of you to serve one another out of love, considering the other better than yourself. This is a call to selfless love and respect, another unnatural action. Only through Christ can these instructions be kept.
Just as rules were given to us as children, they are not here for our torture, but for our protection and advantage. Christ gives us this model of love because he knows within the Creator's design love can flourish and multiply, but without Him nothing grows but death and destruction.
I love that you care for each other so much. I think that's great! But are you really ready for marriage? Do you really understand how big of a commitment it is? Perhaps you could take a moment to consider.
In Ephesians 5:22-24, Paul tells us that the wife is to submit to the husband just as the Church submits to Christ. This word "submit" means to obey. Obeying someone is a very humbling task, even as naive children we struggle with this command which is given to us for our own protection. As a human being in the flesh, we don't naturally give up our pride and willingness to control, it is a learned characteristic.
As a woman who has been called by God to submit and obey to your husband, I ask you--can you willingly follow this man? Do you trust his discernment and guidance. Is he walking with the Lord and digging so deep into the Word that you know without a shadow of a doubt that he has what it takes to fearlessly lead you? It takes a lot for a woman to give up her right to power and control, but fully trusting God shows us peace, contentment, and freedom in letting go. In the same way, you must promise to let go of the reigns as your husband fearlessly and courageously leads you closer to Christ.
Speaking of you Mr. Husband, verses 25-30 explain that the husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. This is huge! I pray that you have grounded yourself so deeply in the Word of God that you know without any doubt, that your God will lead you as you lead her through this life. I also pray that you can honestly say you love her to the point that you would give up your life for her as Christ did the church. Yes, the Bible undoubtedly gives you the right to command and lead, but it also calls you to deny yourself in honor to please her and love her.
Finally, Philippians 2:3-4 tells both of you to serve one another out of love, considering the other better than yourself. This is a call to selfless love and respect, another unnatural action. Only through Christ can these instructions be kept.
Just as rules were given to us as children, they are not here for our torture, but for our protection and advantage. Christ gives us this model of love because he knows within the Creator's design love can flourish and multiply, but without Him nothing grows but death and destruction.
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Love you and praying for you,
Your Sister in Christ.
By the way, I am in no way targeting anyone personally. This is just something God has laid on my heart to share.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Haley! - Bex
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