MOTHER'S DAY
One way Jesus, through the apostle Paul, chose to illustrate His love for the body of Christ was as a husband who loves his wife deeply and cares for her (Ephesians 5:22-33). Unfortunately, there are many relationships in our society that don’t depict what God wants for His people. These inadequate relationships include abusive families, both physical and mental, to inappropriate business behavior, extra marital affairs, as well as homosexual relationships. Jesus’ love consisted of obedience to the Father by standing up against those who would try to destroy His family; namely, Satan. Jesus is a true example of one who cares for His family and who wants all people to come to know the truth of the Gospel of Christ (Luke 19:10).
There is no better example of love than the love of Jesus. It is this love that needs to abide within all people just like the smell of vanilla permeates the kitchen when used in cooking. On Mother’s Day, which was celebrated last Sunday, people honor and celebrate their mothers and those wives who are mothers. Good mothers are wonderful people. They tend to show their love through sacrifice, caring, and tender warmth. We give them flowers, hugs, and may even make them breakfast in bed. Yet, in the other 364 days of the year, how do you treat her? How do you husbands treat your wives? Are you a proper example to your children about how they should treat their mom and future spouses? Do you treat your mom or spouse like Jesus did or do you use put-downs, abusive language, sarcasm, or maybe a macho mentality of “I’m the husband and you’re the ‘slave’”?
Jesus gave His very life for His wife – the church. He loved, protected, and cared for His love. There may be some, even in Idalou, who need to change their behavior toward those whom they love. Let Jesus be your example. “Husbands, love your wives, just a Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25). Have a happy Mother’s day every day of the year!
The Lord’s humbled . . . John A. Reeves
There is no better example of love than the love of Jesus. It is this love that needs to abide within all people just like the smell of vanilla permeates the kitchen when used in cooking. On Mother’s Day, which was celebrated last Sunday, people honor and celebrate their mothers and those wives who are mothers. Good mothers are wonderful people. They tend to show their love through sacrifice, caring, and tender warmth. We give them flowers, hugs, and may even make them breakfast in bed. Yet, in the other 364 days of the year, how do you treat her? How do you husbands treat your wives? Are you a proper example to your children about how they should treat their mom and future spouses? Do you treat your mom or spouse like Jesus did or do you use put-downs, abusive language, sarcasm, or maybe a macho mentality of “I’m the husband and you’re the ‘slave’”?
Jesus gave His very life for His wife – the church. He loved, protected, and cared for His love. There may be some, even in Idalou, who need to change their behavior toward those whom they love. Let Jesus be your example. “Husbands, love your wives, just a Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25). Have a happy Mother’s day every day of the year!
The Lord’s humbled . . . John A. Reeves