Based on “Enjoying Marriage on the River of Life, Part 3” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
9/18-19/10, Message #MB423; Daily Devotional #2 - “Little i, Big I”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): My dad passed away nine months ago on Christmas Eve, at the age of 99 years. My mother went to be with the Lord 15 years prior to him. They were married 51 years. One of the last conversations I had with my dad centered on his regrets. He didn’t have too many, but one loomed larger and deeper than any of the others; he regretted that he had not been kinder to my mother. He seemed to want to confess this to his four children and let us know he was wrong to have been, at times, very unkind to mom. Kindness is a big deal in life and a very big deal in marriage. Kindness turns a big “I” into a little “i”. It says you are worthy to be treated gently and in a charitable, compassionate manner. I don’t think my dad has been alone in this world in his regrets. Many a person who has lost a mate might have said the very same words. The Word of God says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Marriage should be lived with gusto! Don’t let the initial excitement die a slow death, or the ugly “I” take control. Fix yourself, with God’s help, which will take enough of your energy and time, therefore, slowing down the effort to fix your mate (something you can’t do anyway). It is all about agape love, doable only with God. Life on this earth doesn’t go on forever, and the best memories we have will be the warmest, kindest ones. My dad wanted more warm memories to keep him through the colder years of growing old. Though he had 51 years with his best friend, it wasn’t long enough. And then, there were the regrets……they live on, too! Love with your whole heart and give what you have to give. Make the one God has given you feel treasured and safe in the boat as you travel down this river of life. When you travel through rough water, hold on to each other. When the waters are smooth, get out for awhile; laugh, play, and cherish the time. And remember what love is: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (note: this is a big issue for many). “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Marriage is a lifetime commitment to an imperfect person. This means two imperfect people had better be committed to a perfect God to make a great marriage last forever. The power of two working together is evident in Scripture, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19), and we find a home built without God is futility: Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. (Psalm 127:1) Build your houseboat, or pack your raft, with God and your mate, leaving selfishness along the way. Have a beautiful and blessed life with your wonderful gift, your marriage partner, who is your lover, companion, and best friend. Remember to be kind and forgiving. Let God be the big “I”. God will take pleasure in a marriage He is invited to dwell in and guide (Philippians 2:13).
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 8:9-11
bam
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New King James Version = NKJV, King James Version = KJV.