Serving One Another in Love - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional

In marriage, we are called to serve one another. However, this can be hard sometimes. We’d rather do what is convenient for ourselves rather than serve our spouses and help to make their lives easier. We’ve all been there. 

However, marriage thrives and grows stronger when we stop asking, ‘What can I get?’ and start shifting our focus to ‘How can I give?' Serving is not about losing ourselves but loving our spouses in a Christlike way.

What does this look like? This means having humility and not holding grudges. Practicing sacrificial love and prioritizing your spouse’s good over your own. Giving your spouse grace and forgiving them for wrongs. Serving them in small ways. Praying for each other and seeking God’s will in your relationship.

Jesus is the ultimate model of servant-hearted love. It tells us that in marriage, service is not a weakness but a strength, expressed through humility. When you and your spouse choose to serve each other, your home becomes a place of love, peace, trust, and joy. 

When people think of serving one another, sometimes I think they think it has to be some grandiose thing. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. The small things are just as important. 

One of the best ways my husband has ever served me was a few years ago. He was working nights, and we had a diabetic cat who had to go to ‌the vet a lot. I worked days and couldn’t take him if he had an emergency or if he needed to be seen because something else was going on. My husband made sure he was up so he could take Colin to the vet for his appointments, even though he worked all night. He could have told me to take off work and take him, but he didn’t. My husband knew I would worry and fuss until our cat, Colin, could get in when I could take him, so my husband took him in instead of having me reschedule his appointments. This brought so much peace to this meowmy’s heart. I knew I didn’t have to worry because Colin would get the care he needed whenever he needed it. 

Since then, we lost Colin, but we still serve each other in small ways. I’ll do a load of laundry for my husband during the week if he needs it or surprise him with a sugar-free meal or dessert since he’s diabetic. He’ll help with chores, take out the trash, or surprise me with something small from time to time. 

Other ways you can serve your spouse include:

• Speaking kindly when you are tired or stressed.
• Listening with your full attention.
• Offering forgiveness quickly.
• Helping with daily tasks without being asked.
• Praying for and with your spouse.
• Taking the time to notice your spouse’s needs and responding with grace.
• Surprising them once in a while with something small, like their favorite candy bar or a book they have been wanting to read, etc. 

Let’s pray:
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of marriage. Teach us to love one another as You love us, with humility and joy. Help us follow your example by serving each other in small and meaningful ways. And even in big ways, when resources and your blessing allow it. Please remove selfishness from our hearts and minds and fill our home with kindness, patience, joy, and grace. Help us be an example for other couples that we know. And let our marriage reflect your love to those who are around us. In your name I pray. Amen. 

Reflection Questions:

1. What makes it hard for me to serve my spouse consistently?
2. What is one practical way I can serve my spouse this week?
3. How can we make sure serving each other is a normal part of our marriage?
4. How has serving one another changed our marriage in the past?
5. What is one way that my spouse can serve me this week?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/interstid

Carrie Lowrance is a freelance writer and author. Several platforms, including Crosswalk, iBelieve, Huffington Post, and The Penny Hoarder, have showcased her work. She is also the author of the clean romance series, The Steele Family Saga. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, and hanging out with her husband and sweet cat, Cupcake. You can find out more about Carrie and her writing at www.carrielowrance.com.

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