The primary calling of all Christians is
to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds. (Matthew 22:37-38) Part of loving someone is showing
gratitude. Undoubtedly, we owe thanks to
God. But there is a reason that when
Jesus was asked for the greatest commandment, he also gave the second greatest
commandment, love your neighbor as yourself.
(Matthew 22:39) Our love for God
is fully lived out and manifested in how we love our fellow humans who are the
image bearers of God, and you won’t find a closer, more intimate neighbor than
your spouse. So, just as part of loving
God is giving him the gratitude that is due to him, part of loving your spouse
is giving your mate the gratitude that is due to her/him.
Sometimes it is harder to show gratitude
to your mate than it is to show gratitude to God. Why?
Well, at least in a physical sense, God doesn’t get in your face, offend
you, or otherwise give you grief. God
hasn’t hurt you in the past. God doesn’t
have human flaws that you are so keenly aware of each and every day. Your mate does.
Yet, when you show gratitude to your
spouse (who is just as broken and imperfect as you are) you demonstrate God’s
love, grace, mercy, and goodness at work in immeasurably powerful ways.
So, with that in mind, how attentive are
you to showing your love for your mate through gratitude? When was the last time you spoke words of
appreciation to your wife or husband? Do
you remember to say thank you for the simple daily things that your mate does
for you to make life better—things like preparing meals, laundry, filling the
car up with gas, being a great mom or dad for the kids. While those things might be your spouse’s
“job,” remember how much he/she blesses your life by doing them. Do you thank your spouse for special things
he/she does for you, or when he/she gives you that extra attention or goes the extra mile?
As we move though this season of giving
and thanksgiving, keep a journal of things you spouse does for which you are
thankful; everything from regular tasks to special efforts he/she makes for
your sake. If you pay attention, it
shouldn’t take too long to fill up page after page of things you mate does for
you. After you fill it up, take the
journal and give it to your mate as a gift; a visible reminder to both of you
of your gratitude for the many things he/she does for you. Let your gratitude be a manifestation of your
love. If you start your journal now, you
should have a really nice surprise for your wife or husband by Christmas.
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