Week 58: I Corinthians 13

Fun Activity This Week: Instead of singing about the 12 things your true love gave to you this Christmas, make a list of the 13 things you want to do for your spouse.  I am not speaking of things that cost money, but you can add those if you choose (and you can add more than 13).  I am suggesting writing a list as a sort of pledge such as, "Twice a week I will take over one of your household chores," or "I can get up half an hour earlier at least once day a week to have a Bible study with you." Or offer to do any helpful things for one another and stick with it all year! Other ideas are bake a favorite dessert once a month, take over carpool for a week, wear sexy lingerie once a month, give a back massage once a month, go for a walk together once a week, etc...  If you are having difficultly coming up with ideas, then ask your mate where he/she could use some help. 

Week 57: I Corinthians 13

This week is such an easy topic it practically writes itself.  Well, actually the apostle Paul wrote it for us.  After you read the verses on love, I suggest you also read Galatians 5 (also listed below) and note how very similar the fruits of the Spirit are to qualities of love listed in I Corinthians chapter 13. I wrote about the fruits of the spirit in week 12 https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/2018/12/week-12-fruitful-fun.html so I won't repeat myself this week (for once!).

I love all of I Corinthians 13, so I also suggest you read the entire chapter together. In fact (I think I mentioned this before) I Corinthians 13:12 is my favorite scripture verse.

As I stated, there really is nothing to add to Paul's description on love, it's pretty self explanatory. I highly suggest memorizing this list, and when you are feeling anger or frustrated in your marriage, remind yourself of all the things that love is, and do your best to practice those ideals in your marriage!

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.  I Corinthians 13:4-8

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Marriage-Enhancing Idea for the Week: Read the two lists above from I Corinthians and Galatians together. Honestly evaluate your actions in your marriage and confess to one another where you need help.  Then do your best to reflect all that love is to one another from now on!

Art Project Idea: As I was finishing up a box of tissues this week, I realized that the beautiful pattern and sturdy cardboard on the box would be great for this week's art project.  Or better yet, to start saving different beautiful patterns from an inexpensive boxes of tissues to make this project more colorful! Cut out hearts and write all the descriptions of love on them listed in I Corinthians 13. You can also add your own words.  You can either tape them on the walls or refrigerator, punch holes in them and make a mobile out of them, make a mini book, or whatever you choose.  Of course, you can choose any material for this project, just be creative and have fun!

Conversations of Love #11, 12, 13, & 14

Week 56: Seven Abominations

Fun Activity This Week: Choose 7 bible verses this week to memorize.  I know that sounds like a lot, but they can be short verses such as John 11:35, which is only two words, "Jesus wept." But make sure you focus on the significance of those words and don't just choose them because they are brief.  Since all my activity suggestions are to be done as a couple, you can split the 7 verses so you do not both have to learn all 7. I realize this means one of you will have to memorize 4 verses and the other 3, but I'm sure you can find a way to make that work for you! At the end of the week, recite your verses to one another and discuss why you chose those verses. Do so over coffee or tea and an optional dessert.

Week 56: Seven Abominations

I realize I last left off with the number 3, but I am jumping ahead to focus on subject matter that better fits the issues I believe are important.

These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷ A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸ A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
¹⁹ A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19

I am not sure why Solomon (who wrote Proverbs) writes, "six," then "seven," but since there are 7 items listed, I will use these verses for the number 7.

All of these issues can absolutely apply to marriage. Let me briefly break them down.

A proud look: How often have you acted superior to your mate in a prideful manner?  You may even have made fun of the other when you think he/she is wrong and laughed and ridiculed the other when you were proved right.  Next time you are tempted to act this way, remember how much God hates pride. Psalm 51:17 says that the Lord will never despise a broken and contrite heart. It is essential to your walk with the Lord to be humble before Him, but also vital to your marriage to be gentle with one another. Do not ever think yourself better than others (read Philippians 2:3), and that includes your spouse. As I always say, yes, the husband is the head of the home, but you are equal partners in every way. Remember to act in love the next time you have a disagreement and know that God hates pride.

A lying tongue & a false witness who speaks lies: I'm including these together because they are both reminding us to always be honest. The second part of that statement probably also has to do with making up stories about another person as well as lying about something. So do not lie to your mate, and do not lie about him or her either. Although not as harmful, even exaggerating good qualities is the same as lying. God does not want us to lie even if we are falsely trying to build up someone else's reputation.  Honesty is absolutely always is the best policy.  

Hands that shed innocent blood: Murder is not the only way to shed blood. Physical abuse can also bring such harm. You do not have to put up with an abusive spouse! It is not wrong to send him/her to jail. If he/she adamantly refuses to get help, I do not believe divorce is wrong is such a case. Also, do not keep silent when someone else is the victim, related or not. God expects us to speak up for the innocent, and I will even add that this includes violence towards animals. 

A heart that devises wicked plans: Notice that one does not even have to carry out wicked plans, but just dreaming them up is an abomination to God.  The Lord knows all your thoughts and if you are considering harming someone or breaking the law, you will be held accountable for your thoughts. Matthew 5:28 says we commit adultery just by thinking about having sex with someone not our spouse.  Proverbs 23:7 says that we are what we think.  The Bible also says that whatever we sow in our hearts we will reap in our actions.  Remember that song, "Be careful little mind what you think? For the Father up above is looking down in love."  Well, sing that to yourself every time you are devising wicked thoughts. Repent, and change your thought process!

Feet that are swift in running to evil: Do not be quick to jump on the band wagon with everyone else doing wrong. That wagon is headed straight to hell!  Be swift to run away from evil. If your first instinct is to run toward the sinful things of this world, you need to repent of your ways and get back to living for Christ! Running to evil includes cheating on your mate and pornography. You do not have to participate if your spouse wants you to do something you know is sinful. It is okay to say no and encourage him/her to repent and walk away from sin.  Pray together that you will be strong enough to flee temptations in your marriage individually and as a couple.

And one who sows discord among brethren: There are so many, many ways we can sow discord. Gossip is the biggest thing that comes to my mind. Remember the above verse speaking against lying? Gossip is rarely truthful or at the most half-truths.  I cannot stand to be around a gossip as many people have harmed me and/or my precious husband with false gossip (I am including from before we knew each other as well). Again, do not talk about your spouse behind his/her back. Also, sowing discord in your home could mean simply being antagonistic and argumentative. Be kind to each other and sow peace and joy. Those are things God loves!

Marriage enhancing idea for the week: Carefully go over the seven things that are abominations. Be honest with yourselves and repent of any of these acts of which you are guilty.  If you need to also ask your mate's forgiveness, do so and be quick to forgive if he/she needs to ask it if you as well.

There is no art project idea this week.