The King … had John beheaded … John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:9-14
Comment
The crowd had a very different agenda to Jesus in the above account and so they were pressing him to get involved in something that wasn’t on his agenda at that moment – but he responded to them in love.
To set aside our own agenda in order to engage with what is important to our husband or wife can be a very powerful expression of love. Sometimes that may be something of great significance – at others it may simply mean being prepared to share in something that is more enjoyable for them than it is for us. So I’ve learnt that it’s ok to go bird watching – and my wife has come to cricket and rugby matches with me.
What things could you engage with that your spouse loves?
Prayer (as a couple)
Father, thank you for the things that we enjoy. Thank you that some of them we enjoy in exactly the same way. Thank you also for those things that are special to each of us. Help us to see the opportunities to bless each other by entering into each other’s world. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Father, we pray for ___ and ___ Help them to find the right balance in having things to enjoy together as well as their separate activities. Amen
Final Quote
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
