Intentional Love · Day 6 of 21
Serving in Ways That Truly Help
Scripture reading
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
Galatians 5:13, KJV
Teaching lesson
He had spent the afternoon completing a project around the house. He felt pleased with what he had accomplished and hoped she would be delighted. She appreciated his effort, but she was still struggling with the urgent task she had mentioned that morning.
Both were disappointed. He felt his work had gone unnoticed. She felt that the help she needed had not been heard.
Sometimes we serve in the way that comes naturally to us without checking whether it meets the other person's need.
Paul reminds the Galatians that freedom in Christ is an opportunity to serve one another through love. Christian freedom should turn our attention beyond our own desires and towards the good of others.
At home, that can begin with a simple question: 'What would genuinely help you today?'
The answer may be different from what you expected. Your spouse may need you to complete a practical task, make a phone call you agreed to make or take responsibility for something that has repeatedly fallen to them.
Listen before deciding what help should look like. Then be honest about what you can do and follow through on what you agree.
It is also helpful to notice shared responsibilities without waiting to be directed every time. If your spouse must continually identify the task, explain it and remind you, some of the burden remains with them. Taking ownership includes remembering and completing the work.
Serving each other should make room for both people's needs and limits. If one person is consistently overwhelmed, a conversation about sharing the load may be more useful than an occasional gesture.
You do not need to keep a score of who has done more today. You do need to remain willing to hear when the arrangement is not working.
Ask God to make your care practical and responsive. Today, choose an act of service that helps your spouse in the way they actually need.
Put it into practice
Together
Your challenge
Each name one manageable task that would lighten today's load. Agree on what you can do for each other, including when it will be completed, and take responsibility for following through.
On your own
To reflect on
- Do I choose the help I prefer to give, or do I listen carefully to the help my spouse needs?
Prayer focus
“Heavenly Father, teach us to serve each other with willing hearts. Help us listen before assuming, share our responsibilities fairly and complete what we agree to do. Let our practical care bring relief and express the love we have for each other. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
With love and prayer,Sharlene
Vividly in Love offers encouragement and practical tools, not counselling. If your marriage is in a season that needs professional support, Sharlene’s counselling practice, Vivid Resolutions, works with adults and couples across the Caribbean.
This is not a crisis service. Emergency contacts vary across the Caribbean. If there is immediate danger, contact your local police or ambulance service. In Trinidad and Tobago: Police 999, Ambulance 811, or 800-COPE (2673) for a mental-health crisis.