Christian Living

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GIVING TO RECEIVE:
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There are some people who come into the marriage relationship who seems to think that it is to get, get, get for yourself every benefit you can. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, it is a give, give, give of yourself in the relationship all that’s required and reasonable. The Bible says, “give and it will be given back to you.” We’ve had it backward for years wanting to believe that God says for us to get first. Then, depending on what you’re able to get for yourself, you can decide if you want to give back in like kind or not.

Of course, I’m talking about the giving of good things to each other such as love, respect, concern, caring, acceptance, understanding, communication, fairness, etc. I’m not talking about things of a hurtful nature that we often give to one another instead of loving-kindness. I’m sure that at some time or other you’ve heard it said of marriage that its ‘give and take.’ But do you know you can’t take what has not been given to you? I’m not talking about the act of rape where a man takes from a woman what has not been given freely in the confines of marriage. And yes, rape has most definitely occured more than you realize in the context of marriage.

In light of talking about giving and taking, either the husband or the wife can’t take love (of the heart) unless it’s first offered. When love is offered, you receive it as you would a precious gift. If you take for granted your mate’s love, then your every action will show your unappreciation of it. How? By being mainly concerned with satisfying your ‘self’ and with little regard to your loved one who has needs also.

Are you thankful to God for the love your spouse extends to you? Do you ever say to your wife or your husband, “Thank you for loving me?” When you take a moment to do this, you’re saying, ‘I recognize that your love for me is a precious gift from God, and I receive it with thankfulness.’ God comes to us personally and allows us to tangibly experience His love by His Spirit, but He also enfolds us in His arms and loves us through our husbands and wives.

Do you ever go to God, your heavenly Father and say, “Thank You, for loving me and accepting me?” Or do you take His love for granted and not acknowledge that His love given to you is a precious gift? God desires for His people to have thankful hearts toward Him and be appreciative of the many things He so lovingly gives us. God is a giver, not a taker, and He just keeps giving and giving because He loves us so much. Let us all be more aware and humble ourselves to come back and say, “Thank You,” not only for the gift but being receptive and thankful unto the Giver. At all costs, pride must go and humility must come forth in each of us before a righteous and holy God, Who loves us unconditionally. Pride has no place in our lives period, regardless of the relationship because it is a deadly destroyer of good things.

In speaking of God loving us through our mates, many times, we fight their love. A person only has to look a little closer to realize that the resistance more times than not is because of unbelief and the fear of rejection. We fear letting ourselves go because we might end up being rejected and the pain of that rejection would just be too great to bear. So, men and women continue to resist and hide behind their respective walls of protection where they isolate themselves from what their hearts cry out for the most. Love and acceptance from God first and foremost. (to be continued)

Plain As Day Ministries

Shirley Williams
2-11-03

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