Pursuing Your Spouse in Marriage | Part 1Minta

Servant-Leadership Jesus showed his love by offering himself as a sacrifice for us. As his disciples, we are called to “follow the example of Christ.” Thankfully, in marriage, we’re usually called to much smaller sacrifices! Things like our preferences, the ways we want to spend some of our time, or our desire to be right in an argument. Christ’s love is perfect, and ours is not. But knowing that “God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes;” that we are perfectly loved, and accepted by God will overflow into the way we love and care for our spouse and others. Being servant-hearted is not just for husbands or just for wives; it is for both spouses and for everyone who follows Jesus. As Jesus taught in Matthew 20, He came to give himself away, and we are to follow His lead. It is counter to our selfish human nature, but with Christ’s model and with His power in us, we can live this out. No one knows our weaknesses and the burdens we bear better than we know our spouse. So don’t hold those things over your spouse’s head, instead use this as a way to show love and to serve well. Where your spouse is weak, you can share your strength. In marriage, we never have to walk alone. Servant hearted love does not look like a spirit of martyrdom, a.k.a, “I guess someone has to be the better Christian,” or “I’m the one who always makes sacrifices for this marriage.” But with Christ as your model, your leader and your guide, His love flows from you. Be His hands and feet as you follow in His way. Servant love means not putting your spouse in a box: “He should be doing this since he’s the husband,” “They always do this chore and I always do that chore,” or “Last time I tried I got a bad response.” No, it’s letting go of the expectation that they will always do the things you want, or always respond in the way you hope. Don’t hold unrealistic or unfair expectations over your spouse. Don’t hold the past against your spouse, but give them the chance to respond anew. Take the opportunities that today offers you to serve them and “bear their burdens.” Going Deeper: * Meditate on Ephesians 5:1-2, the example of Christ, and the image of living a life filled with love. * Ask, “What can I do today to make your day better or easier?” Then follow through! * Think of 2-3 other opportunities you can take today to bless and serve your spouse. RESOURCE: This plan was written by Lindsay Few, content director of Awesome Marriage. Awesome Marriage is here to help your marriage thrive. How does your marriage measure up? Is it healthy? Do you and your spouse communicate well? How does your marriage stack up against the rest? Is it Christ-centered? [ Find out where your marriage is now and learn your next steps to an awesome marriage. ](https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6475cd700970ee001459adb7)