wives time

Last weekend we had 'wives' time, which we have ever quarter through church. The husbands get together and the wives get together. It's not a 'get.together.and.moan. session', it's a encouragement.honesty.God's word.and.prayer. session'. We talked openly about some of the things we find hard in our marriages, laughed at the fact that we all have very similar issues - relieved to know we are not alone, then we looked at Colossians 3 and ended with prayer for one another. It was very encouraging and I took a lot from it - now I just need to put it into practice!!

I learnt:

- Conviction numero un. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Wow how awesome is that?- WHATEVER we do, word or deed do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus!!! So when I am frustrated at doing various things - I need to remember to do it in the name of the Lord Jesus!!! It's not always easy but this verse doesn't tell me - "oh but when I am annoyed with my husband forget about doing it is the name of the Lord - get angry and resent it" - no WHATEVER I do - do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus!! A mind-set shift from self-serving to serving Christ!

- Conviction numero deux. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

I realised that instead of looking at self when things happen that I don't like or when I feel like I have been wronged - I am to look up at what our great Lord has done for us. He sacrificed himself for ME - no ifs or buts - he just did it. So if I can look at the vertical relationship with my Lord and Saviour and his example, then with prayer I might be able to work that into my horizontal relationship with my hubby and with my family/friends. Bearing with them even when it is hard, forgiving them no matter what the grievance = all as the Lord has done for us! Easier said than done but one can pray and try!!

Please pray that these words may dwell in my mind and heart, not just go in one ear and out of the other.