The purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart. (1 Timothy 1:5)

A familiar saying in the Christian home is “your wife and kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”.

Let us slow down on trying to “know” everything and focus more on caring.

That seems to be a part of what the apostle Paul is reminding Timothy in this verse. Paul reminds us too, that the whole reason for the truth of the gospel is to point others toward a love relationship with God. The purpose of the Word is to promote God’s love among His people.

With the background of 1 Timothy, as we try to meet our spouse’s need for instruction, we must first examine our own hearts. Are our words of instruction for their benefit or for our own? Are our words of instruction going to point them towards a more loving relationship with God or one of His people? Are our words of instruction coming from a pure heart, with a good conscience and a sincere faith?

Keeping this kind of standard helps us hold our tongue on many occasions. But keeping this standard will allow us to avoid hurting our spouse and will instead bring them to a stronger love for us and our Lord. As we truly apply the guidelines of the Apostle Paul, we help equip one another for life with our words and our example.

ACTION ASSIGNMENT
Have you thoroughly examined your heart before giving instructions to your spouse? Have you looked at God’s instructions and looked closely for evidence of His loving heart toward you?

PRAYER: Thanks Father for the instructions that You give through Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.