*This one has a long explanation, but it really touched me a lot, I would encourage everyone to read it! It really hit home for me at least!*
Consider these scenarios.
A man's older car begins having trouble, so he takes it to a mechanic. After an assessment is made, he is told it will need a complete overhaul, which would tax his limited budget. Because of the expenses, he determines to get rid of the car and spend his funds on a new vehicle -seems reasonable right?
Another man, an engineer, accidentally crushes his hand in a piece of equipment. He rushes to the hospital and has it x-rayed, finding that numerous bones are broken. Although frustrated and in pain, he willingly uses his savings to have it doctored and placed in a cast, then gingerly nurses it back to health over the next months. This too probably seems reasonable.
The problem within our culture is that marriage is more often treated like the first scenario. When your relationship experiences difficulty, you are urged to dump your spouse for a 'newer model.' But those who have that view, do not understand the significant bond between a husband and wife. The truth is, marriage is more like the second scenario. You are part of one another. You would never cut off your hand it it was injured, but would pay for the best treatment possible. That's because your hand is priceless to you. It is a part of who you are. So is your mate.
Marriage is a beautiful mystery, joining two lives together as one. This not only happens physically, but emotionally and spiritually. You start off sharing the same house, the same bed, the same last name. Your identities have been joined as one. Somewhere along the line you experience disappointment, and the sobering reality that you married an imperfect person sets in. This however does not change the fact that your spouse is still a part of you.
You must treat your spouse with the same nurture and care that you treat yourself. When you show love to your spouse, you are showing love to yourself as well. It's time to realize your spouse is as much a part of you as your hand, eye, or your heart. He too needs to be cherished and loved. If they have issues causing pain or frustration, you should care for these with the same love and tenderness you would a bodily injury. If they are wounded in some way, you should think of yourself as an instrument that helps bring healing to their life.
In light of this think about how you treat your spouses physical body. Do you cherish it as your own? Do you treat it with respect and tenderness? Do you take pleasure in who they are or do you make them feel foolish or embarrassed? Just as you treasure your eyes, hands and feet, you should treasure your spouse as a priceless gift.
Don't let the culture around you determine the worth of your marriage. To compare it with something that can be discarded or replaced is to dishonor God's purpose for it. That would be like amputating a limb. Instead it should be a picture of love between 2 imperfect people who choose to love each other regardless.
When a husband looks into the eyes of his wife he should remember that 'he who loves his wife loves himself.' And a wife should remember that when she loves him, she is also giving love and honor to herself.
When you look at your mate, you're looking at a part of you. So treat her well. Speak highly of him. Nourish and cherish the love of your life.
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