In Evil Long I Took Delight

By John Newton

In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear,
Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopp’d my wild career:

I saw One hanging on a Tree
In agonies and blood,
Who fix’d His languid eyes on me.
As near His Cross I stood.

Sure never till my latest breath,
Can I forget that look:
It seem’d to charge me with His death,
Though not a word He spoke:

My conscience felt and own’d the guilt,
And plunged me in despair:
I saw my sins His Blood had spilt,
And help’d to nail Him there.

Alas! I knew not what I did!
But now my tears are vain:
Where shall my trembling soul be hid?
For I the Lord have slain!

–A second look He gave, which said,
“I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
I die that thou may’st live.”

Thus, while His death my sin displays
In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief, and mournful joy,
My spirit now is fill’d,
That I should such a life destroy,
Yet live by Him I kill’d!

 Have you noticed that while we are busy taking care of our husbands daily needs.. his home, laundry, meals…  that we can neglect cultivating a closeness in our relationship? The fullness of our days can even tempt us to become irritated with the very one we are serving. So, I’ve been watching for ways to bless my husband each day in practical ways. It may be as simple as not asking to watch my favorite show so that he can choose his favorite, or picking up an item he requested from the store that I don’t think is necessary. Preferring him though out the day .. rather than myself… involves dying to self. I need God’s grace ..otherwise… my focus will be only on my needs. 

I’ve noticed that small acts of kindness can have a large impact on a marriage.

But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities

and

how to please her husband.

1 Cor 7:34-35  (NLT)

 Christ is our beautiful example of a life lived in service to others.