“resolve (set in your heart, make up your mind, take it to heart, take seriously the need) to honor my name,” GOD Malachi 2:2

I’ve had a lot of doctor appointments lately. Over the years I’ve deliberately made it ‘a thing’ to show appreciation to the people entrusted to take care of me. So before I go to an appointment, I stop off at the store to pick up some candy for the nursing and office staff. Often I’ll take a gift to the doctor as well. I have found a way to make candles serve as a double gift! Here’ an example.

Yesterday I was going to see my urologist. So I took him a Christmas candle. Now men are not particularly fond of getting candles from other men, but when handing it to him, I explained that it was NOT for him. What I wanted was for HIM to use the candle to be seen as a loving heroic husband and to give that candle to his wife and say, “I ran across this gift today and thought of you!”

Something interesting has happened EVERY time I’ve asked a man to give their wives the gift and not mention me at all! The common reply is, “she’ll know it wasn’t from me!” Which for me, is both a sad, but good, response. Sad in that the husband hasn’t set his heart on making sure his chosen bride KNOWS that he still loves her. GOOD in that NOW, a seed has been planted to start!

YEARS ago one of my special pastoral mentors started hammering me on the importance of loving my wife! In fact, he’d end every departure with those words, “love your wife.” And when I’d see him the the next time, he’d ask, “how are you and Katie doing?” At first I found it annoying. But soon I realized what he was trying to instill in me. LOVING someone should NOT be a surprise!

Malachi is kind of a pre Dear John letter from God to Israel. They had not been showing Him love, and He was getting pretty sick and tired of it. He laid out some expectations, warnings and even a love dare to His chosen people. His ultimate warning is today’s Bible verse. There is absolutely zero evidence that we in the Church Age, as the Bride of Christ, get any pass on this requirement.

The law of sowing and reaping starts with God to us. HE loves us SO much, that to ignore the facts of what He has given and done for us, are limitless. Because He gave His son in love, he EXPECTS to receive our honor and love in return. When I don’t show Him my love in time, gifts and service, my life just doesn’t go very well. The deep constant gnawing in my heart that something is missing just grows louder. SAYING it then grows into ‘PROVING it!’ And I DO!

Have YOU set your heart on loving and honoring God in all things in your life? Are you 100% satisfied that God KNOWS you do? How can you show HIM you love him?  It’s simple, share His love with your spouse, family or friends! Don’t let HIS or YOUR LOVE be a surprise!