I sat on the front patio, surrounded by lavish foliage with hints of colored flowers. The sun was still rising, yet its warmth was radiating as if we had reached the middle of summer. The morning crisp air still held a bit of coolness, but I had to lean into the shade to enjoy it. I had my pink leather Bible resting on my lap when I invited God to meet with me.
As I opened the scriptures to 2 Corinthians, He revealed a beautiful message to me. When I got to verses 6 and 7, God immediately put on my heart the word marriage.
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Just as the vibrant plants that enveloped my surroundings had once stemmed from a tiny seed, so the fruits of my marriage will blossom from the seeds I sow into my husband. Seeds of love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
According to what God was unveiling to me through His Holy Word, if I choose to sow sparingly, then I will reap sparingly in my marriage. If I do not take the time or effort to intentionally love and respect my husband with these qualities, then I will not see them in my marriage. Yet, if I do, then we will enjoy fruits of love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… and bountifully! That is the kind of marriage I desire.
However, I must give to my husband cheerfully, not from obligation, but out of a heart of humbleness and faith.
I asked God, “What are some ways that I sow bountifully into my marriage?”
He replied, “Love and respect your husband genuinely, sincerely, and passionately through your actions and responses… regardless of his actions or responses.”
The first part is understandable and I believe attainable, yet the second part to that is where it becomes a challenge. So often I find myself reacting to my husband because of his actions or responses… how do I sow bountifully regardless?
Through humbleness and submission to God
I realized that my opportunity to sow bountifully into my marriage, with the hope of looking forward to reaping bountifully will not be a success unless I learn how and be intentional while sowing seeds.
A planter may be able to scatter seeds amongst the soil, and a few plants may even sprout up. However, a planter who is purpose driven will prepare the soil, carefully plant the seeds, and spend time watering them daily; it is then that a harvest of plenty sprouts beautifully. Likewise, we have a choice as wives to scatter a few seeds and reap sparingly or purposefully sow seeds and reap bountifully a marriage of love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The choice is ours. Remember when we sow, especially when it seems difficult to do so, that God loves a cheerful giver!
This article is posted to Time Warp Wife’s Titus Tuesday Link-up. Read more encouraging posts
