Unconditional Love in Marriage ~ Philippians 1

I, like many other women, often get so caught up in my responsibilities as a mother and homemaker, that I neglect my duties as a wife. While my children should be of great importance to me, the fact of the matter is that, after God, my husband is to be my top priority. Unfortunately, sometimes, because I get so focused on my children, he becomes nothing more than an irritation and another responsibility. This is horribly wrong and unhealthy. I am to focus on my love for husband, not ignore it and become irritated by him.

Philippians 1 has absolutely nothing to do with marriage. In verses 1-11, however, Paul is talking to the Philippians about his love for them and how it affects his thoughts, prayers. . . he also addresses their love and how it ought to affect their decisions and actions. With these verses, I compiled a list of six questions to ask myself on a regular basis to keep myself in check as I seek to show unconditional love to my husband.

1. Do I thank God every time I think of my husband? (vs. 3)
2. Do I constantly pray for my husband. . . with joy? (vs. 4)
3. Do I get irritated with his shortcomings? Or do I choose to love him unconditionally, knowing that God will change and grow my husband over time? (vs. 6)
4. Do I long for my husband? (vs. 8)
5. Does my love for my husband overflow to the point of bearing on all my decisions? (vs. 9)
6. Do I speak affectionately to my husband? (vs. 12)