Jesus in You?

So someone asked me this week, "Do you let your spouse see Jesus in you?" Let's just say I had to stop and think abou this much longer than I am proud to admit.

Ephesian 5:1-2 tells us that we are to "be imitators... and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." So what exactly does Christ's love look like? Well, John 15:13 tells us that there is no greater love than giving of one's own life, and Romans 5:8 tells us that Christ did that very thing for us. He gave is life on our behalf. But even more than loving us, He loves us unconditionally, expects nothing in return, and did so without complaining.

Um... I think I clearly fall short of this. Sure I may be more than willing to run kids all over the place, make dinner, change diapers, do the grocery shopping... But, do I always do it with a joyful heart? Do I always do it in a way that lets my spouse and my kids see Jesus in me?

This also means not being prideful or holding a grudge against my spouse, or kids for that matter. It means freely forgiving them as Christ has forgiven me even when it may seem to be unforgivable (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25; Philippians 2:5-8). Boy do I still have a ways to go!!!