Presented Blameless

"Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh (or bitter) toward them." - Colossians 3:19

Wow!  I was convicted this weekend about the above verse.  The Lord showed me that this harshness and bitterness is not about actions or words as I have always believed; it is about the condition of my heart and my thoughts toward my wife.  It starts with my thoughts of her.  Ouch.  Ephesians 5:27 tells me to present my wife to myself as though she is to be blamed for nothing; that she has no faults, no sin, nothing that would cause me to lower her status in my mind of reigning queen.

How can we do that?  Because we have the example of Jesus Christ and the Spirit of Jesus Christ alive inside of us.  The Lord "does not treat us as our sins deserve" (Psalm 103:10).  This is the grace of God.  Not only that we don't get the punishment that we do deserve, but that we do get the reward that we have no right receiving.  In His mind He has elevated us, despite our corruption, and counted us worthy to be in right relationship with Him.  The whole reason that He has overlooked our faults and rebellion toward Him is because He wants to be with us!  The God of Creation desires you! 

Following the Lord's example, my thoughts, actions, words, and everything about me is to be in love with my wife, in the same way that Jesus Christ is in love with the Church.  Yes, I believe it is my choice to continue to fall deeper in love with my wife.  It is not up to anyone or anything but me, by the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  Once we make that decision, there can be NO CONDITIONS.

God often relates the rebellion of His people to adultery.  Yet He has always been there, in love with us.  The Cross of Christ has solidified my place in the Kingdom.  In the same way, following His example, I will be crucified to this world that my wife may be in right relationship with me; even to the point of adultery.  Her position in my life is not based on her actions, but it is based on who she is: my wife.  This must begin in my mind.  It is up to me to present her to myself, in my thoughts first, without any blame or fault.

"...and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."  Ephesians 5:27

Have you presented your wife to yourself as a spotless and blameless bride today?