Danny Akin spoke during our Sunday morning service at Highview and we were so blessed by his message. With the sad reality of my brother’s impending divorce fresh on our minds, we found this to be particularly challenging and encouraging even though Danny Akin was largely addressing parents in regard to their relationships with their children. The principles outlined in Philippians 2, however, really speak to any relationship—husband and wife, father/mother and child, friends, bosses, etc.
While relationships do bring happiness and fulfillment, we recognize those things are not God’s primary intentions for us. The purpose is so much more, so much greater than our personal happiness! God brings people into our life, be that a friend, spouse, or child, to make us more like Christ. Relationships require sacrifice, love, forgiveness, and endless grace…ultimately, a denial of self. These qualities don’t just happen…they are cultivated through tears and heartache as we recognize our sin, repent, seek forgiveness, and plead for God’s Holy Spirit to work within our hearts and change our attitudes and actions to be Christ-like.
I love my husband with all my heart and thank God every day for the blessing that he is to me. We have shared so many happy memories and I look forward to the future with great anticipation as I think on the dreams we have and hope to one day see come to fruition! But even so, we are both sinners in need of God’s grace. As I think back over the last 8 months of our first year of marriage, I am thankful God put him in my life for more reasons than just my happiness. He has put him in my life for the purpose of godliness! Even with the challenges it sometimes brings, I am thankful...so thankful God is working in my life through my husband for His glory and my good…even if I’m not always “happy”!
**Here are a few notes from Danny’s sermon yesterday…notable and worthy to read. I pray you find this as encouraging as we did!!
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“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important that yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:1-5
- Strive for unity and seek out sensitivity.
- Be sensitive to the needs and interests of others.
- Make a choice to accept that person as they are.
- Recognize they are made in God’s image and that Jesus died for them…just like you.
- Receive that person as someone valuable in your life.
- God uses people in your life to sanctify you—to conform you to His Son. That isn’t always an easy and pleasant process. Seek out what the Lord is teaching you.
- Accept personal responsibility for your relationship.
- Don’t blame your children or your mate for the troubles in your life. Concentrate on your own actions—are you acting godly? Putting your child/mate first?
- Rejoice and value differences and look for the positives.
- With children, don’t compare them with one another. They are each different and unique. Don’t force them to ‘be like’ someone else. Accept and appreciate them for who they are.
- Determine to communicate in a godly manner.
- Esteem one another more highly than yourself…always.
- Never assume anything.
- Become a student of your spouse/child. Find the particular methods of communication they respond best to. Know their likes/dislikes/preferences/etc.
- Be an encourager.
- Find things they do well (spouse or children) and praise them for it.
- Learn to say, “I made a mistake. Will you forgive me?”
- Powerful, reconciling words. Don’t try to excuse your actions or say ‘I’m sorry but…’ Own up to the mistake and ask for forgiveness.
- Accept yourself in Christ.
- You are a sinner saved by God’s grace…accept your identity in Christ—we have great worth in Christ.
- Be a lover.
- Love with all your heart.
- ‘We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4.19
So very true, and so very hard for us to practice day to day. Thanks for taking the time to pass this along - praying that God will use it for His glory and that others won't just read it with their eyes, but with their hearts. Love you both! Mom
ReplyDeleteThank you for these. So true - and applicable!
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