Together in Christ: 'Flowers Fade; Let's Keep Our Love Fresh' — Mark 10:6-8

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

[Responding to a question about divorce, Jesus emphasized,] "'God made them male and female' from the beginning of creation. 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together."

— Mark 10:6-8 NLT

Key Thought

So, did you get your special love interest some flowers for Valentine's Day? I bet those flowers are starting to fade and wilt. Cut flowers fade, but real love lasts forever. [1] So, what are you doing to help the loved ones in your life know that your love is fresh and will not fade?

God made sure we knew that love is more than mere sentiments and feelings when He redefined the word ἀγάπη (agape) by how He demonstrated His love for us in Jesus. [2] Jesus now commands us to love each other as He loves us. [3] Demonstrating our love for each other has to be a spiritual priority, especially for those united in marriage. In marriage, the husband and wife are no longer two people but are joined together forever physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually by God. [4] They are united, and God doesn't want that union to be broken. But, more than not breaking that union, God desires that their marriage be full of love, real Jesustyle ἀγάπη love. That means learning fresh ways to demonstrate and affirm our love through our actions toward our spouse and family. So, each of us needs to ask: What fresh ways am I learning to demonstrate and emphasize that our love won't fail?

[1] 1 Corinthians 13:8, 13.
[2] Romans 5:6-11; 1 John 4:7-12. The Greek word used for God's love in these passages and others is ἀγάπη (agape).
[3] John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18.
[4] Matthew 19:4-6 suggests that the oneness of a husband and wife involves these four dimensions of union: physical (being united as one in marital sex), emotional (living with affection for each other that is demonstrated in living for their best interests and needs), social (leaving parents in order to be joined together), spiritual (being joined by God).

Today's Prayer

Father, You have lavishly demonstrated Your love to me in a great variety of ways. I ask that the Holy Spirit help me find creative ways to demonstrate my love to those precious to me in my family. I pray, asking for Your help and power, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
  • Ephesians 5:21-33

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Martin Luther King, Jr.:
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Refreshment Is Coming' (Acts 3:19-21)
"[After accusing his audience of being ignorant of who Jesus was and killing him, Peter continued,] "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Our Crazy Brother' (Mk. 3:20-21)
"One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn't even find time to eat. When his family heard...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Standing Firm in One Spirit' (Ph. 1:27)
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will....."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 10:6-8 NLT — [Responding to a question about divorce, Jesus emphasized,] "'God made them male and female' from the beginning of creation. 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ