So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are useless servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

The essence of the Christian life is to recognize oneself as small so that everything I do points to Christ as the author of all. What I do in my own name is vanity of vanities. What I do in the name of the Lord, and with the power of the Lord, is for the greater glory of God. That is for eternity.

Applied to married life:

Janet: Thank you, Lord, for helping me love my husband today, even when I was speaking to him about something so important to me and he didn’t even pause what he was doing to listen. I felt alone, overlooked, misunderstood. But even so, You helped me look upon my husband with tenderness, knowing that he loves me dearly but doesn’t yet have the sensitivity to notice these details. Lord, he has so many good qualities, so much value in himself… And You gave me light in that moment. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to love him with Your love.

Mother,