Greetings Prayer Warriors,
For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “For this reason a man shall leave [his] father and [his] mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:29-31
The mystery of the marriage covenant, becoming “one flesh” is something to ponder, especially during the days/weeks that one is unhappy with the other part of their united flesh. Perhaps this is how body dysmorphia began! (Just a little spiritual humor!) Yet, Christ is the head, and we are the body.
Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary, and those parts of the body that we consider less honorable we surround with greater honor, and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety, whereas our more presentable parts do not need this. But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. 1 Corinthians 12:22-26
This is a wonderful image of married life and how we are to conduct ourselves in our marriage. It is one of working in tandem, seldom 50-50, but usually a fluctuation of 70-30, 40-60, 90-10, and sometimes 0-100. But we are only capable of fulfilling this constant uplifting of one another if Christ is at the head. Yet, how often do WE want to lead instead? How truly difficult is that surrender! How unreachable does it feel to attain the humility of dying to oneself?
There is so much to ponder here. Carve out some quiet time to contemplate these passages as they relate to your marriage. Begin with praise and thanksgiving, and end with supplication; your prayer requests. If you are not married, please hold another marriage in prayer.
Lord, we praise and we thank you, God of mercy and kindness. We ask for an outpouring of graces, that our hearts and minds might be opened to the wisdom of your ways. Grant us a spirit of patience and understanding, helping us always to find joy in our crosses. Jesus, we trust in You!
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable, the thoughts of my heart before you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:15
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
