Devotion for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28)

A normal and healthy person will care for themselves without thinking.  So, of course you love yourself.  Love others as your love yourself.  But know that this includes the boundaries you place upon yourself too.  You need not tolerate things in the name of love.  Love others as you love yourself: grace where grace is needed and law where law is need and all in Christ’s compassion.

Lord, teach me how to love and how to live.  You have come to lead us into a new life that does not do things the way the world does.  Guide me, O Lord, in order that I may live into this life You have given me in grace.  Teach me the things I need to know so that I would be led by You and not by the world.  Grant that I would be balanced and live in common sense and not by the lack of wisdom in this world.

Lord Jesus, You are love Incarnate.  You confronted those who were against the truth.  You loved those whom the world declared unlovable.  You loved each one of us enough to take our place on the cross.  Lead me Lord in the way You have established so that I would walk in this way and learn how to become like You.  Teach me to love others, beginning with loving them  as I love myself.  Amen.