Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:3
Paul is using delicate terms to speak of the marriage bed. He began to allude to this in the previous verse and he will expand on it in the verses to come. After having discussed celibacy and that it was a fine and acceptable action to take, his words to those who decide rather to be married are that they should act in a manner which demonstrates that state.
There is an affection that is due between a man and a woman who are united in marriage and it goes in both directions. If one has decided against celibacy and for marriage, then that which belongs to marriage should not be denied by either spouse. His words are subdued to avoid any hint of perversity or indecency. Instead, the marriage bed remains undefiled and he is using terms which express this.
Life application: When one is married, there are expectations from the spouse which are not to be denied by the other spouse. If they are, then why would they have agreed to the marriage? But they did and they therefore have obligations to provide the affection due to the other.
Lord God, how wonderful it is to have a wife by my side. We can walk the highway of life and experience things together which would never be as enjoyable alone. In seeing this, I see even more why You have called a Bride to yourself. What a pleasure it is to know that together we will forever enjoy the streams of goodness which flow from Your throne of grace. Until then, thank you for that little slice of heaven that I have now with my own wife, anticipating that great Day ahead. Amen.