Friday, February 13, 2009

Day 15: Love is honorable

Daily Reading

Honor can be defined as "holding in high respect."

According to the text, honor also means speaking politely, paying full attention, doing what is asked of you.

But love being honorable has a deeper meaning.

Love should be holy. If your partner is holy to you, they are sacred, honored, praised, defended.

And even when our partner doesn't treat us with honor, Love still honors.

"Love treats its beloved as special and sacred even when an ungrateful attitude is all you get in return."

"...when your attempts at honor go unreciprocated, you are to give honor just the same."

I get what the book is saying. And in a normal, healthy relationship, this applies nicely. But I keep thinking of some poor abused spouse using this bit of text as a reason to remain with their abusive partner.

I'll keep it in my scope, in the scope of my own marriage, though.

Today's Dare

"Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes."

Reflections

"How did you choose to show honor? What was the result? What are some ways you could demonstrate honor in the coming days?"

I have to admit to being behind on updating. I do not remember specifically what I did to show my husband that I honor him.

In response to the comment Momza left, I would just add that a central theme in this book, as well as a theme I frequently hear from my preacher's pulpit, is that LOVE is also an action and a choice. Today in church, my pastor spoke about forgiveness being a decision, too. Powerful stuff.

1 comment:

Momza said...

Honoring to me, is a higher form of respect. And it involves an emotional feeling...to "honor" is proactive...a verb if you will. My husband's countenance is brighter when he feels honored...isn't it amazing that we have so much power to give that feeling to those we love?