Thirsty Thursday: 1 Peter 4:8

To be honest, some days this verse has been soothing to my soul as I have witnessed the power of deep love among much sin. Other days I have found myself wrestling in prayer that surely God wouldn’t require me to extend love to my husband among his sins that were debilitating to my heart.

Over and over, I felt God whisper, “My love for you is deep, which covers the multitude of your sins against me. I shower you with grace, forgiveness, and compassion because, again, my love for you is deep.”

Loving someone deeply when their sin is wounding your heart whether it be minor lack of consideration or major lack of priorities and commitment is hard. Trust me, I know. What sin of your husband’s is breaking your heart? Has left you resentful or bitter? Is placing a wedge where you desire to love him better but feel hindered to do so?

Has he been unfaithful? You chose forgiveness but it still hurts. The sting is still lingering. Are his priorities lacking and you feel neglected? Have you felt he comes to you for his needs but never with a heart for yours?

Oh friend. How I know. Loving deeply seems impossible sometimes. But I assure you, it’s not.

You see, if we change the angle, it can change our perspective. Let’s consider the angle from Jesus’ viewpoint in relationship with us. Have we been unfaithful to Him? I certainly have. I even went through a season where I claimed I didn’t believe. It was so dark. Thank you Jesus. You remained faithful through it all. Have we neglected our Savior or placed Him on the backburner of other priorities? I’m certain I fall short here daily. Are we guilty of running to Him constantly for our needs but rarely with a heart for His? There are countless time I have ran to Him begging and pleading, not once asking what I could do to serve Him.

The multitude of our sins have affected and hurt our King, but he continues to love us through and through.

No, your husband may not deserve your sweet side when all he gives is his sour side. Thank you Jesus, for staying sweet when we get sour. Your husband may not deserve you to surprise him with some new (extra soft) white t-shirts because his have gotten ragged when he forgot your anniversary. Thank you Jesus, for your blessings when I lost sight of blessing You. He may not deserve a text at work appreciating him for his hard work when he rarely notices your efforts if at all. Thank you Jesus for showering me with your goodness when I forget how great You are.

You see friend, it’s not about loving our man when it feels good or the emotions match up. It’s truly about committing our love to him in the midst of hasty emotions. Jesus keeps coming for us. Over and over. I’m not sure about you but I’m desperate to love deeply in the way my Savior has loved me deeply amongst the multitude of my sins.

Even the spouse with the best of intentions will disappoint. Our hubbies aren’t Jesus and I’m not sure if you know it or not, but neither are we. Can I share a little secret with you? When I began applying this verse in my daily walk with my husband, love sprouted in places we had long forgotten about. My sin of bitterness and anger towards him had created as much wedge between us as his sins against me.

When we choose to be obedient to God’s Word by loving deeply in the midst of heart-stinging  sin, you will reap blessings that nothing of this world could offer. It may not be some quick fix, but if you love your man in the name and obedience of the Lord, His faithfulness will shine through.

the lovely exchange:

Hard hearts of “how dare you”

exchanged for

Compassionate hearts of “let me love you”