Key Bible Verses: We should please others . …For even Christ didn't please himself (Romans 15:2–3). Bonus Reading: Mark 10:42–45

The principle of marriage as a freely given arena of service leaves room for the understanding that each partner will have different roles and avenues of service.

Over 15 years of marriage, Lisa and I have settled into certain habits like an old pair of jeans. When we come back from a trip, Lisa invariably checks the phone messages while I unload the car. Lisa hates filling up the car's gas tank, so before I leave on a trip, I make sure it's full. If Lisa knows I'm coming home, she'll nurse the tank until she's riding on nothing more than fumes.

I don't resent this, and Lisa doesn't resent the fact that she's usually folding laundry when she watches a movie while I just sit there.

We're not just after the imitation of Christ's actions in our home. We also want to model Christ's spirit and attitude. The beauty of this commitment is that it makes both Lisa and me God-dependent rather than spouse-dependent. If Lisa is faithfully serving me when I'm in a surly mood and I'm not exactly falling over myself to show my appreciation, she still has the joy of that inner witness that tells her that her Creator is pleased with her.

My Response: One service role I've assumed in our marriage is …

Thought to Apply: Married love is hard work; requiring us to constantly think of our spouse [when] our bent is to think of ourself first.
—Bill & Nancie Carmichael