IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTION FOR TODAY, June 30, 20ll

TEACHING LOVE

In the book of Titus, the aged women are instructed to teach the young women “to love their husbands, to loves their children” (See Titus 2:4).  At first this instruction seems to read as a command, as if the aged women are to go about the church commanding the young women to love their husbands and children, scolding them if they fall short.  But as God gives revelation, I see the instruction to teach the young women more as an art form, a skill that the aged women have acquired, a revelation they are able to share.

 First, the Church must learn to honor the godly relationships of marriage and family.  We must learn to love those God has given to us and placed in our care.  A young woman will be challenged in marriage:  for some days her husband will appear strong, and some days weak.   Some days he will be wise, and other days given to error. Some days he will appear heroic, and other days clumsy and afraid.  Some days up and other days perhaps down.  The marriage vows appropriately make the commitment “for better and for worse.” The secret of marital love is learning the art and skill of cleaving.   We must find ways to esteem the relationship in times of discord, trouble.  We must hold together by creating rituals of celebration, manners of communication, and practicing the important art of remembrance.  We must remember the good, the bond, and the vow.   When the destructive thought comes in to break down our love, we must resist it.  “You don’t love her anymore, she’s fat.”    “You don’t need him anymore, he’s unemployed.”  “There’s no hope for that child, he’s failed.”  We must resist these thoughts and attitudes and instead we must cleave to love, cleave to relationship.   Today, let nothing separate us from the love of God.