Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. — Matthew 10:31
VALUE, n. val”u. [L. valor, from valeo, to be worth.] Worth; applied to persons.
VALUE, v.t. val”u. To esteem; to hold in respect and estimation; as, to value one for his works or virtues.
God values us highly…He does not place anything above us. How much value do we place on our spouses. Do they mean more that our job/career, family, money, house/car or friends? If not, why not?
“Understanding your spouse’s incredible value is the beginning of safety, but to create a marriage that feels like the safest place on earth, you must be able to express honor through action and behavior.” –Greg Smalley Nourish: Treat Your Spouse in Valuable Ways
I especially like Greg’s use of the word safety in this quote, because the marriage relationship is supposed to be a place of safety for both. This is where each can receive all the comfort, healing, love, respect, and affirmation, (feel free to comment with any other words–that’s important to you–I may have left out), that we need so desperately.
In no way, is the marriage supposed to be constantly a place of fear and ridicule. Understandably, this may not be the case right now but it is definitely a goal we should seek…with God’s help. The help of God in this matter, or any matter, is to receive the help of Love…”for God is Love” — 1 John 4:8
“Compassion communicates that your spouse’s heart matters to you. How do you express that you value your spouse’s heart? The best way to communicate compassion is…through a kind look, a gentle word, a soft touch or caring actions. Care and compassion break down the opposition and create two open hearts. And when you create the right atmosphere through emotional safety, you have unlocked the door of healthy conflict.”–Greg Smalley Nourish: Treat Your Spouse in Valuable Ways
One way the Love of God is expressed is through His compassion towards us. This was done by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us. Because of this, His righteous judgement was fulfilled. In other words, it was paid in full…the debt has been paid and we are free! God is not looking at us with a angry scowl on His face. No, His heart is open towards us and it is full of compassion. So, we are free to not only love Him but mankind as well…which includes our spouses.
The Bible tells us:
It is of the Lord‘s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. — Lamentations 3:22
Therefore, let us think of ways we can show our spouses the love, admiration, compassion and value that God has shown us and expects us to do the same. May we, like God, develop compassion that “fail not”. The world and it’s systems have made a mess of marriage…along with everything else. Now its time for Believers to stand up and show them what love is all about, starting with the way we love and value our spouses.
Have Faith1st
© 2015 Faith1st Ministries
Again, you hit the mark. This time dealing with what we need to hear about marriage in our modern times so filled with tension, and a lack of safety.
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Thank you Pastor. Strong marriages are very important to me. Marriage and the family is one of the areas I believe God has anointed my wife and I to minister.
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