Lenten Devotion: March 6th.

March 6, 2017

(excerpted from free indeed: devotions for Lent 2017, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis)

The Sixth Commandment:

You shall not commit adultery.

What is this? or What does this mean?

We are to fear and love God, so that we lead pure and decent lives in word and deed, and each of us loves and donors his or her spouse.

To ponder:

If words are free why can't I spare the best for you?

       -Julia Fordham, "Porcelain"


Love means being loving:

Person A:            If we were able to spend more time together, I would feel happy.

Person B:            What I hear you saying is, "if we were able to spend more time together, you  
                            would feel happy.

Pastor:                That's great! You've been practicing! How did it feel?

Person A:            Completely unnatural.

Person B:            Like a robot.

Person A:            Does anyone ever actually talk like this?

Pastor:                Not very often; but, that's the point.  The way we naturally talk to our spouse 
                           when we're angry is no good.  We get mean.  We get contemptuous.  And, 
                           contempt ... 

Person B:           ...is a marriage-killer.  We've been paying attention.

Pastor:                Good.  Keep practicing the "I" statements and reflecting back what the other 
                           person says.  It might feel more natural with time.  Or not.  The point is, your
                           spouse is worth the effort.  It's not always easy to be loving to the people we love.

Prayer:

In all relationships, God, may we reflect your love and fidelity.  Work through our communities of faith to support and strengthen loving relationships.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.