Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Monday August 3, 2015 Daily Devotional – Treat your spouse as yourself

“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:” –Ephesians 5:29

Everyone has value for themselves. That is why even a child knows when he or she is been disrespected or maltreated. It is this value you place on yourself that makes you know when a particular behaviour projected on you by someone else is not acceptable to you or not.

If you can attach much value to yourself, then you should place same value on your spouse. What you cannot do to yourself, or accept from anyone, should not be thought of by you when considering your spouse. The mystery of one flesh means that you ought to treat your spouse just as you treat yourself. If you cannot inflict pain on yourself, then on no account should you beat up, abuse or maltreat your spouse.

Husband and wife ought to foster the development of each other, as well as promote and treat themselves with affection, care and tenderness. To love your spouse is to love yourself, and to hate your spouse is to hate yourself.

How exactly should you treat your spouse? You may ask. The above Scripture says “but nourish and cherish” one another. This implies that you must of necessity provide food, shelter and other items necessary for comfort (especially as husband), foster development and peace and give much love and respect, to the extent that you want to receive in return.

Your failure to do this equals violation of the above Scripture, which equals disobedience to God. The marriage institution is sacred, and should not be entered into without understanding. Your marriage will excel in the name of Jesus Christ!

Remain Blessed!