Scriptures:
Romans 5:8-9 NKJV
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Ephesians 4:14-15 NKJV
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
8
Couples Devotion – September 28
September 28
We are so evil and sinful and flawed that Jesus had to die for us. But we are so loved and valued that he was glad to die for us. The Lord of the universe loved us enough to do that! So the gospel humbles us into the dust and at the very same time exalts us to the heavens. We are sinners, but completely loved and accepted in Christ at the same time…. [This] gives you both the emotional humility and wealth to exercise the power of grace. (Hardcover, pp. 166-67; paperback, pp. 185-86)
THE CROSS AND FORGIVENESS. On the cross Jesus ful- filled the law and justice’s demands and procured mercy and for- giveness for us at the same time. We, too, are also required to forgive in a way that honors both justice and truth. “Christians are called to abandon bitterness, to be forbearing, to have a forgiving stance even where the repentance of the offending party is conspicuous by its absence; on the other hand, their God- centered passion for justice, their concern for God’s glory, ensure that the awful odium of sin is not glossed over.” “Love, but speak the truth. Speak the truth, but always in love. That’s how to show grace to your spouse.
Reflection: Did your upbringing teach and support this idea of forgiveness and repentance? In what ways does your family background help you? Hinder you?
Thought for prayer: Today think first of how your family back- ground has either oriented you toward moralism or toward relativ- ism in viewpoint. If there are any ways in which your past shackles you, ask God to break them and free you for truth and love.
Reference: The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller.