A LOVE THAT NEVER GIVES UP
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Following Jesus is not based on a feeling; it's based on a commitment. People are often surprised to hear me say this when talking. A little while ago, someone shared the guilt they felt for not wanting to be obedient or spend time with God. I thanked them for their honesty, and I said, do you think Jesus felt like dying for the sins of the world? We see in the garden Jesus asking for any other way, but He stays faithful. Being faithful has little to do with feelings; sometimes, it means not letting our feelings guide our decisions. There are two dangerous extremes we can have.
One is legalism, where we detach our hearts and inner world from God's love. The other, and maybe more dangerous in this generation, is a liberalism that trusts our feelings over our commitments. If I chose to be a dad when I felt like it, I wouldn't be a dad all that often. There are times when I feel like following Jesus, and there are times I don't. But I know He is worth it, and I've committed to Him.
I'm surprised when Christians approach a covenant of marriage that they have made to God, and the reason they give for divorce is they don't feel it. The reason people make a vow isn't about feelings; it's about commitment. No one gets divorced on their wedding day. Why? Because they feel it! It's after, when things are difficult. The starting point to a biblical marriage is to understand it's based on a commitment, not a feeling. The reason some people remarry multiple times is they keep searching for the feelings, and after those go away, they move on. This isn't God's picture of marriage. God doesn't hate divorced people. He hates divorce, and part of the reason is because a commitment is broken. God gives abandonment and adultery as the only two reasons for divorce, but it's never about feelings. May we have a commitment and love for our spouse that God has for us. That may be easy or difficult, depending on the season or the person you are married to. I can't say everything will have a picture-perfect ending, but what I can say is God will give you the strength and bless you when you choose to honor the commitment you've made. Remember, He is good.
APPLICATION: Marriage isn't based on a feeling; it's based on a commitment.
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit to help you stay committed to your spouse. Be honest about the problems you are facing and invite God in. Ask the Spirit to change your heart and love for them.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?