THE LABOUR OF LOVE

Main Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 9:8-9

More Scriptures: Mal.2:14, Pro.5:18, 1Pt.3:7

Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity, for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. Ecc.9:8-9.

I will begin today’s teaching by establishing two important truths about the husband loving his wife and loving her cheerfully and joyfully. The first is that to love your wife is a will. The second is an act. As the head of the family and the lord over your wife, you must by joyful with your wife at all times. This means that even when she offends you or does things that you don’t like or approve of, you can still relate with her joyfully and in love. Yes, you may be angry with your wife but you must not allow the anger to tarry beyond the moment. This means you forgive her on the spot and move on with her with a heart filled with compassion and mercy. That is what the word of God refers to as living with your wife and joyfully. Do you know why all of these are necessary for you? The first reason is that your wife is from you. You give her essence and meaning (Gen.2:18). Secondly, she is a joint heir with you of the grace of God upon your life (1Pt.3:7-9). Thirdly, her life has been infused into your own life (Gen.3:16). So, when you love your wife, you are actually loving yourself and doing your sheepfold a great deal of godly service.

However, for you to live joyfully with your wife, you must first learn to love God and allow His life to dominate your life. So that through the outworking of the life of Jesus Christ in you, you will be able to manifest same to her. You must also ensure that you continually allow the Person of the Holy Spirit to dwell in you because He is the Spirit of joy. His presence in your life empowers you to love your wife joyfully. For instance, it is not an easy to forgive your wife when she makes uncharitable statements to your person. The natural mind would want to revenge or hold malice against her. But if you allow the anointing of God to rest upon, it would be quite easy for you to forgive, forget and embrace her. There is so much to gain by living with your wife joyfully. The first is that it brings answers to your prayers. Live with your wife with knowledge that your prayers may not be hindered (1Pet.3:7). Secondly, it brings peace to your soul and strength to your body. Don’t allow anything to take the place of your wife in your life. Live joyfully with her and enjoy blissful years ahead.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, bind my wife and I together in true love and harmony.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, baptize me with the Spirit of love and joy and help me to give it to my wife.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, deliver me from envy, bitterness and unforgiveness.

FAITH CONFESSION

I am in partnership with the Person of the Holy Spirit and through Him I have joy in my heart and love my wife with the same measure of joy because that is what makes me the good and godly husband in Jesus name. Amen.

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