Monday, April 30, 2007

TITUS 2 CLASS--WEEK 2 "TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS"

God does not leave us to flounder and figure out what to do as women. Titus 2:3-5 gives us a plumbline. It is interesting that this passage begins and ends with our relationship to husbands.

It is interesting that this word for "love" is not the agape kind--the love that has the benefit of another at heart, but it is the "phileo" love--brotherly, friendly, encouraging, harmonious, sympathetic, kind-hearted--we are to be our husband's friend!
This love, this brotherly love, is based upon our relationship, not upon our hormones.
It is based on God's will for us, not on our husband's worthiness or deservedness!

"You marry a sinner; there isn't anyone else to marry!" --Elisabeth Elliot in Let Me Be A Women

Several guidelines in fulfilling this command:
1. Remember God has placed your husband over you as your head, your authority. Look to him, not others, for leadership and counsel.
2. Watch your expectations. "You may, if very generous, allow that your husband lives up to perhaps 80% of your expectations. But there is always that other 20%. You may chip away at that 20% for your whole life, or you may choose to enjoy the 80%--and you BOTH will be much happier." --E. Elliot in Love Has A Price Tag
3. Pray daily for him. Temptation is great!! (Remember there is probably someone else who would be glad to pick up your husband's dirty socks every morning.)
4. Never correct him in public.
5. If (I should say when) you see a fault, go to the Lord first, then your husband second, not your friend.
6. Remember you are the help that is meet (suitable). We should try to fit our plans, etc., to his, not vice versa.
7. Ask God to help you cherish your husband--to hold him dear, to care for, to cling fondly to, to treat as precious.

How about writing a note to your husband that begins with: "One thing I love about you is. . . . ." You will brighten his day!

1 Comments:

Blogger djbtmom said...

Lydia -
I am enjoying your Sunday School class from Ohio.

Pam

5/02/2007 8:46 AM  

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