Others Above Self

Others above Self

Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

1 Corinthians 10:24

MOST COUNSELORS agree that one of the greatest problems in marriage is decision making. Visions of democracy dance in the minds of many newly married couples, but when there are only two voting members, democracy often results in deadlock. How does a couple move beyond deadlock? The answer is found in one word: love.

Love always asks the question, What is best for you? As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, believers need to be primarily concerned about what is beneficial for others rather than just what will help or please themselves. Love does not demand its own way. Love seeks to bring pleasure to the one loved. That is why Christians should have less trouble making decisions than non-Christians. We are called to be lovers. When I love my wife, I will not seek to force my will upon her for selfish purposes. Rather, I will consider what is in her best interests.

Putting my spouse, the one I love, above myself is such a simple concept, Lord, yet it’s so difficult. I need your help. As we make decisions as a couple, help us not to demand but to offer. Help me to be loving in the way I make choices.

Decisions