Continuing Courtship

Matthew 7:12 -- "all things" it says ... So I should never do anything I wouldn't want Eldon to do. Maybe that's the whole law because it can prevent so many problems. If I'm as considerate as I can be, with pure intent and not in a passive aggressive, trying to punish him kind of way, he'll be more happy. And I'll find joy in making him happy if I don't expect anything in return. It's the expectation, I think, that hurts my feelings. I should serve without an ulterior motive.

1 Corinthians 7:3 -- "due" benevolence ... that means they deserve to be treated well, just for being our spouse. They're our lovers, our stewardship, and our greatest blessing ... we can't forget that.

1 Corinthians 11:11 -- I picture this meaning that when I pray, or think, or do anything it's like Eldon and I are both doing it. Almost like in some small way I've taken his name upon me too. When I made that covenant we became the same flesh, and one entity in the Lord's mind. I've never thought about it that way before.

Ephesians 5:22 -- I've struggled with this one a bit. But what could it hurt? If something will make him happy, why not do it? If he wants apple pie and homemade bread, I should make them. If I can give him his way on something without sacrificing anything more than my own preference, that's something I can do. And I will. Worry that service will be one-sided is not enough of an excuse to not serve your SPOUSE.

Ephesians 5:25 -- Wives can give themselves for their husbands too. What a beautiful simile.

1 Peter 3:7 -- "heirs together of the grace of life" ... One reason spouses merit honor from each other is that we are joint heirs with Christ together. I'm lost in thought pondering how prayers would be hindered by a failure to offer that honor. The scripture that comes to mind is Christ telling the people that if they knew the Father they would know him too ... I'm sure when we lost track of who our spouse is we also lost sight of who God is. Which of course would hinder our communication with Him.

Jacob 3:7 -- Even unbelievers can achieve the kind of familial love we seek. How much easier should it be for us, then, who do believe?

D&C 25:14 -- "delight in thy husband" What can I do better with this? I can do as E. Bednar said and pray for the charity it takes to see his strengths with greater clarity than I see any weaknesses ... And then I can dwell on them, praising him as much as he can handle and keeping my criticism to a minimum. Like squelch it. I'd like him to delight in himself as a result of my love and adoration.

D&C 42:22, 25 -- What does it mean to love with all your heart? I think it might mean to use all your heart's energy to love rather than criticize, mock, or punish. I spend a lot of energy negatively. I need to be better.

D&C 130:2 -- Imagine a beautiful, life-changing mortal love when it is coupled with eternal glory in the world to come. That's something worth fighting for. That's something worth staying for. And if the same sociality exists between us then as now, we need to be especially careful how we treat each other. If we're not committed to our spouse in this life we won't be there, either, and when our eyes are opened that neglect will break our hardened hearts.