When my husband sat down beside me I could see the turmoil of his thoughts. His brows creased into one, and his plump lips disappeared into a thin line. The silent treatment had reached its typical three day marker, and reconciliation was rapping on the door. In almost every case he was the apologetic party, so brave and big to push aside his pride.
My arms were folded and the glare of stubbornness was set. Whatever apology he cooked up better come with chocolate.
The early years of my marriage looked a lot like childhood tantrums on the playground. We fought over swings, slides, and sand in our hair. It took very little to set the atmosphere to a prime argument. Until the day my husband plopped his humbled body beside me.
It only took one tear sliding down his cheek to change my heart forever. "I love you," he said. Silence filled the space behind his words, and I waited for him to continue. "Will you let me love you," he asked?
He took my breath away.
The enemy tries to pull us away from the center of Christ's passion- love. The spine tingling solution to every circumstance. Through finances, children, and communication the battle for the institution of love is under attack.
It took practice putting the bad habits away. It took prayer to persuade my flesh to cooperate with my heart. It took scripture to puncture my will. When Paul wrote to the Church at Rome, to let love be without dissimilation. Abhor that which is evil; cling to that which is good (Romans 12:9)- he had no idea those instructions would illicit a love revolution in our hearts. Every time I peel through the pages of God's Word, I find new depth to the demonstration of His love.
Since that summer day, our marriage is learning to love without limits- one road block at a time.
What is your love limit? Share a love verse with me in the comments!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tamika Eason is a wife, writer, mother to three daughters, and servant. She remains in awe that despite her fallibility God would choose her to choose Him. She and her husband are dedicated to the ministry of their church in Austin, Texas. You can find her scribbling about the writing journey at her blog http://www.thewriteworship.blogspot.com/.
The Pastor's Wife Speaks is a safe place for women living on the front lines of ministry to share and support each other. But you don't have to be married to a pastor to hang out here. Regardless of how you're connected to ministry, you are welcome. Enjoy and be blessed!
I like the idea of a love revolution in our hearts. It has a way of putting all the power in love's hands ...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Loving without limits goes in our home too, and yes the flesh rises and doesn't want to bend sometimes. Sometimes I'm amazed how sacrificially my husband loves me. I'm usually the goat, bucking. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite love verse is:
"My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag.
Behold, he stands behind our wall; He is looking through the windows,gazing through the lattice. My beloved spoke, and said to me:“Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone."
When I am hesitant to forgive, I always remember this verse and it speaks to my heart. It's time to put whatever happened behind me and follow my beloved. :)
Wonderful read Tamika.
ReplyDeleteMy verse contribution is:
1 Corinthians 16:14 "Let all that you do be done in love."
Easier said than done...
Very good post. I think we forget sometimes what love really is.
ReplyDelete