My husband and I have been talking quite a bit about “being willing to inconvenience yourself” as an expression of love.

A couple of weeks back we were in a movie theater to see a fairly popular movie and seats were filling fast. A group of four came in and asked a lady to move over one seat so that they could fit in. She refused.

It rather surprised us. It was such a small thing, but as I sat there I began to realize that we all do it to some extent. We don’t want to be bothered. We don’t want to change our plans. We don’t want to have to spend any time or energy on others, however small. How inconvenient people are to our day, our plans, our wants, our needs!

To make matters worse, it wasn’t until later that Paul and I realized that we could have asked someone seated next to us if they would have been willing to move down and with a move of our own, we could have made room for this group.

So … Paul and I continue to talk. How do we get the “I’m willing to be inconvenienced” kind of generosity into our hearts and our heads? We talk about it, think about it and ask God to help us see the opportunities around us.  

My personal take is that you start with your spouse and move out from there. Where and how can I make time for my sweetie? If he asks for my help, can I do that with a smile and an “of course.” (I’m not talking total doormat here. I’m talking about taking on the attitude that “love serves” and love gives” even when it is inconvenient. My husband and others are very much worth it to me.)

… through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13b  ESV

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The value of friendliness works in marriage too!  Preach it, preach it, preach it! (from Ferguson Values)

This must be a good day for great preaching material! ~ Unforgiveness Keeps You Bound (from Marriage Works!)