Maintaining your ship

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,” Ephesians 5:25-26

I was sitting here at work thinking and meditating on some things and this scripture came up. Anything that has a “ship” behind the word requires work and washing. It requires dedication and maintenance, no matter what type of “ship” it may be. Whether it be a friendship or relationship, it will require regular and irregular maintenance. I was married before and I’ve experienced every level of friendship you can imagine, so I have some experience and a whole lot of wisdom in this area.

You see, God requires that we wash each other with water through His word. How often does your significant other wash you with God’s word or affirm you with His word? This is the same thing for friendships. How many friendships do you know of, that have stood the test of time that were able to do that without constantly watering that friendship. There is work that has to be done regularly (praying for one another, being available, etc.) in order for that friendship/relationship to flourish, otherwise it will dry up, wither and die. That marriage will die and your spouse will go get water and maintenance from another willing well and mechanic.

When you get a moment, take some time out of your day and think, when was the last time you were watered and when was the last time you poured some water on your friendships and relationships. If it’s been a long time, you might want to check on it, see how it’s thriving or even if it’s still alive.

A lot of people like to say that they are loners or their circle is small because that’s how God wants it to be. That’s a lie. You just don’t want to put in the work of maintaining a friendship or relationship. Maybe it’s because you’re selfish and only like to be poured into or maybe it’s because you’ve never really learned how to water anyone properly.

If that’s you, then check out the rest of Ephesians.

Hope this helps somebody today. Spread love!