A Wife's Body Belongs to Her Husband

^"The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife." 1 Corinthians 7:4

When I read this verse today, it made me reflect on all the reasons why I'm trying to lose weight. And I thought about how my husband deserves a sexy wife - something I never really felt I was able to give him.

Yesterday my husband gave me a $1,000 American Express gift card and told me to go shop for myself. I looked at him like he had grown another head on his body... what was he thinking? With the holidays coming, we don't have an extra thousand dollars for me to selfishly spend money on just me. And then he proceeded to tell me that he understands I need new clothes now that I've lost weight and he doesn't have a clue what to buy. But, mostly he told me how proud he was of me for losing 'big' and thought I needed a 'big' reward. I cried. I have tears in my eyes thinking about it now. I'm humbled. I don't deserve a reward - in fact, I never should have let myself get to the point I was at. And it's really God who deserves all the credit for the pounds I have lost. But, he told me that it took real work and real motivation for me to get started. He knew it wasn't easy. I couldn't believe my ears.

My husband isn't a man of many words. (It's one thing I love about him and yet can drive me crazy.) But, he is a man of action, which I think is more important. He has given me time to work out and encouraged me along the way. I've never really understood his love for me. God has truly given me a gift in that man! I was so encouraged by his being proud of me - I didn't need the gift card besides but it really put emphasis on his words. Now, I have no intention of spending that money on myself this time of year. But, the thought behind it still blows me away.

Now that I read that verse, I understand that this body is half his. I've been mistreating something that belongs to my husband, which makes me a little sad.

Thinking about it more, I want him to treat his body well because I want him to enjoy life. I want to be able to do things as a family and as a couple. I also want him to be around for the next 70 years (well... we might be defying the odds at that age, but you get the point!) to spend time with me. He told me that he feels the same way - he wants me to treat my body right so that we can enjoy life to the fullest together and be together for as long as possible. And, after reading this verse, I think it's okay to share all of this with you. It gave me new-found motivation to work out yesterday when I wanted to nap instead. And, I'm hoping that when you think of your spouse (or if you're not married, the thought of being with someone a long time) you'll have a new motivation to do the right things for your body.

Dear Heavenly Father, first I must thank You for my dear husband. You have once again astounded me with Your love for me that You would give me such a gift in my life partner. I'm grateful from the very depths of my heart. And, Lord, I thank You for our marriage. Father, thank You for binding us together. Lord, help me remember that my body also belongs to Him. Help me in treating it right so that we can enjoy each other more. And God, may You only receive honor, glory and praise for my weight loss. It has truly been the work of Your hands that I've been able to lose weight. May I continue to walk humbly with You as I continue on this journey to lose more and become healthy and thin for Your glory. I love You and long to honor You with all of me, including my body. In Jesus' name, AMEN!