Love Cherishes

Consider these two scenarios. A man’s older car begins having serious trouble, so he takes it to a mechanic. After an assessment is made, he is told it will need extensive work done which would tax his limited budget. Because of the cost, he determines to trade it in on a newer vehicle. That’s reasonable right? Another man, a hard laborer, accidentally crushes his hand in a piece of equipment. He has it x-rayed, finding that numerous bones are broken. He is willing to use his savings or whatever it takes to get it fixed. He then gingerly nurses it back to health. This too seems reasonable. The problem within our present culture is that marriage is more often treated like the first scenario. When a relationship experiences difficulty, too often you are urged to dump your spouse for a “newer model.” Those who have this view don’t understand the significant bond between a husband and wife. You are part of one another by the marriage vow, which makes you one. You would not cut off your hand if it was seriously injured, but would pay whatever you could for the best medical treatment possible. It’s priceless to you and part of who you are. Marriage is a beautiful mystery created by God, joining two lives together as one. This happens physically as well as spiritually and emotionally. You start off sharing the same house, the same bed and the same last name. Your identity as individuals has been joined into one. A tragedy happening in your marriage is felt by both of you. If you experience successes, both of you rejoice. But somewhere along the way you will experience disappointments, and the sobering reality that you married an imperfect person becomes a jabbing reality. This, however, does not change the fact that your spouse is still a part of you. Ephesians 5: 28-29 says, “Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it.” This verse speaks to husbands, but notice they are both viewed with the same nurture and care in how you should tenderly treat yourself. So, if you mistreat your mate, you are also mistreating yourself. Your lives are interwoven. Your spouse cannot experience joy or pain, blessing or cursing, without it also affecting you. Your spouse is as much a part of you as any part of your body. Your spouse needs to be loved and cherished. If your spouse is wounded in some way, you should desire to help bring healing to his or her life. Cherish their body as your own. Treat them with respect and tenderness. Take pleasure in who they are. Never make them feel foolish or embarrassed. Always think of your spouse as a priceless gift to you. Don’t let culture around you determine the worth of your marriage and don’t ever compare it with something that can be discarded or replaced. Your marriage should be about love between two imperfect people who choose to love each other regardless….. When you’re looking at your mate, you’re looking at a part of you. Treat them well and speak highly of them. Always nourish and cherish the love of your life (My thoughts with The Love Dare, Day 11). Sherry