Your Holy Father-In-Law

Hopefully, I didn't make you laugh, but I'm not talking about that one; not your earthly father-in-law, but your holy heavenly Father-in-Law.

I mentioned in a previous post that the hubster's and I were embarking on a journey of hosting a small group in our home for young married couples, which is going very well, if I might add.  Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas is the series that we are going through, and I would strongly recommend this series for engaged, newly married, and even those married for a while.

We just completed the third session, and it covered the idea of being a God-centered spouse.  A God-centered spouse will love and respect their mate out of reverence for God regardless of how they may be acting in a particular moment.  The premise is that God has hand picked and designed our spouse to compliment us, and if we mistreat them, we have to answer to Him.  Our spouse is God's child above all else, so it's best that we love and cherish them through every circumstance, even the difficult ones.

One of the study guide questions really struck me and almost brought me to tears.  Matter of fact, the question was just as impactful for all the other couples.  It was one of those moments where you get a gentle shake from the Spirit.

Here's the question: "If we lived with a profound awareness that our husband or wife is a precious and loved child of God and that our heavenly Father-in-Law cares deeply about how we treat them, how might this impact the way we care for our spouse."

What a, "Wow God moment!"  The first time I went through this question, I almost fell on my face full of tears.  I just thought back over all the bad times when I was way less than a Christian wife; probably more like a ravenous beast.  I couldn't do anything but ask for forgiveness for all of those times; the ugly nasty times.

Another thing I'd like to add is a word of advice from a friend that goes a little something like this, "Do more than your share and don't keep score."

I just think back to all the times where I turned my back on the hubsters because I felt like he wasn't doing enough for me or he wasn't giving the same amount of love and tender care that I was giving him. After reading the question from the study guide, I just feel so silly, but it gives me motivation to be better.  Each day, I aspire to make my holy heavenly Father-in-Law proud.

What are some revelations you've had about your marriage over the years?