Our Daily Bread: We Are FamilyPrøve

The Beauty of Love May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. -Proverbs 5:18 NIV In our culture, the “Jarabe Tapatío,” also known as the Mexican hat dance, celebrates romance. During this upbeat dance, the man places his sombrero on the ground. At the very end, the woman grabs the hat and both hide behind it to seal their romance with a kiss. Every time I witness this dance, it reminds me of the importance of faithfulness in marriage. In Proverbs 5, after talking about the high cost of immorality, we read that marriage is exclusive: “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well” (v. 15). Even with ten couples dancing the Jarabe on stage, each person focuses only on his or her partner. Likewise, we can rejoice in a deep and undivided commitment to our spouse (v. 18). The dancers, while they are enjoying their partner, know someone is watching. Our romance is also being observed. In the same way, we read, “For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths” (v. 21). God wants to protect our marriages; we honor God when we treat each other as He commands. May we please Him through the loyalty and love we show to each other, especially to our own spouses. Just like in the Jarabe, there is a rhythm to follow in life. When we keep the beat of our Creator by being faithful to Him—whether we are married or unmarried—we find blessings and joy. And our families and communities are blessed too. Abraham & Keila Macip-Ochoa In what ways do you think your faithfulness to God blesses others? What can you do specifically to enjoy family today? Dear God, You know all my ways. Help me to honor You in my relationships with others.