What Love Requires

He had to travel for work; she had to comfort the kids.

She had to miss a birthday; he had to handle everything.

He had to work; she took crazy kids to the zoo.

When it comes to work travel or training, hopefully, you’ve already heard the advice: Never compare who has the tougher job between you and your spouse. No one wins that game. Who can really say what is harder than having to walk away and having to stay?

In a loving marriage and parenting, 50-50 doesn’t exist. Everyone must be committed to giving everything, regardless of whether the other person is living up to their commitment or is even capable of doing so at a particular time. For Christians, seeing who can serve the other first should be a race.

Feedings at 2 a.m., staying up waiting for teens to come home, lost and broken tools because of a curious 10-year-old—we understand the sacrifices it takes to raise children. And we know that our investment won’t make a full return for years to come.

God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?

Romans 8:32 (CEV)

This is not to encourage being a doormat to a child or spouse. A child must learn to reciprocate love and the sacrifice that goes with loving. They learn by our example, just as we all must learn to love the way God loves us. He gives and gives and gives, regardless of whether we deserve it or even notice. We need to keep working towards being like him.

So show your children how to love, and talk with them about your heavenly Father who loves us so much he was willing to sacrifice his Son for us.

PRAY

Lord, grow my desire to be like you and squash my selfishness so I may love the way you do. May our family grow in your love. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What is something people do for you that you appreciate?

Apply: At the dinner table, thank each person for something they have done for you.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 103:13-14

1 Corinthians 13:5b