Do you Love Me?

Marriage is the stage where iron sharpens iron, and where we may choose to mature and grow spiritually. How many times would I hear Jesus ask me, “Do you love me?” It is easy to say, “Yes,” but functioning within the boundaries of love is a learning process. The question became irritating! In her quiet time the wife prayed, “Holy Spirit, set me free from procrastination. Please reveal the origin of my subconscious destructive memory that causes this feeling and behavior. Why do I wait to the last minute to get things done? Help me resolve incorrect perceptions with Truth that will make me free.” Now several days later, it was Sunday morning and the game of passive aggression was on again! It was also the morning she made an effort to be ready on time! Just before she walked downstairs she heard the usual harsh sound, “It’s time to go!” Walking toward the door where her husband was standing, she said that she needed to get her Sunday School book and Bible, and a drink of water. The game was on! “No, there isn’t time!” Then playing the game, he told her to go ahead and get her water. She said, “I will respect your ‘no’ and skip the water.” It was time to quit playing the game. She heard the silent question again, “Do you love me?” Before she could justify her actions, the Voice spoke, “If you love me, you will do as I command.” Her eyes were opened, and she realized that submitting to her husband’s idea of being on time was not about him controlling her, but about her making a choice to walk in love. She determined that morning to be punctual! They arrived fifteen (15) minutes early!

Prayer:
Father-God, I am Your child, born of Love! You sent Jesus to be my example and tell me how to live. Jesus, I call You, Lord, and I receive Your new command to love others just as You have loved me, and do unto my husband as I would have him do unto me. I choose to let go of passive aggression and trust You to be my shield and protection. Help me love myself as You love me so I am ready to fulfill the Royal Law of Love, and love my husband as myself. I let go of all partiality and chose to accept and love others as You have loved me. I submit to You, asking You to fill me with Light and Truth, and Peace that passes understanding. Jesus, I choose to abide in Your love by keeping Your commandments. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who is my Helper and Counselor, in the name of Jesus!
Scripture References: John 13:34-35 (CEV); James 2:8-9 (ESV); John 15:9-10 & 26 (AMP)