I recently had a discussion with someone on sacrifice in marriage. The ideals of this person is that everyone is an individual, adults and that a healthy marriage would never call for one to do anything they didn't feel like, or want to do. Even massaging a husband's sore muscles if one did not feel like doing it would be wrong in her moral mindset of a healthy "relationship". It was very amazing to me, I cannot imagine her world. That world seems lonely to me.
Every day there is constant self sacrifice in marriage. I found marriage to be a major eye opener into how selfish I as an individual can be.
What is love if there is no self sacrifice?
Self sacrifice is a beautiful thing. Not always easy - but very beautiful. And I propose that perhaps, there can be no love without dying to ones self, laying down of one's personal "rights" for another. It is part of the harmonious relationship of marriage. Yes it involves both parties giving of his/her own time, energy, and laying down his/her will. Sometimes it's as simple as my husband warming up the covers on my side of the bed while I take out my contacts (isn't that sweet?). Sometimes the self sacrifice is much greater like moving half way across the country, or all the way around the world if it comes to it.
Marriage is not a 50% contract, it's not a business relationship, or two adults living together autonomously for selfish reasons. That is not love. Love involves giving on one's self, giving up your personal rights. It is beautiful, one of the most, if not the most beautiful things on earth. Love is giving. Love is selfless. This is the beauty of love. Without this selflessness love is nothing, I don't think it can really exist (except for love of self).
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13
Eyes of Faith A Prayer by thekingdomcomes
Father, I can't keep going on
I need You to give me strength cause I have none.
I don't have faith as a mustard seed
To see past this mountain in front of me.
Give me eyes to see that this mountain
Is not even a mole hill in Your eyes and plans.
Give me eyes of faith to walk,
And ears to hear You talk.
Give me faith to trust You now
Give me strength to journey on.
