Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashot Acharei-Mot & Kedoshim
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Parashot Acharei Mot & Kedoshim
(Leviticus 16:1–20:27)
Theme: “Walking in Holiness as One Flesh”
Overview:
These two Torah Portions teach Israel how to live as a holy people set apart for G-d. They emphasize purity in worship (Acharei Mot) and purity in relationships and ethics (Kedoshim). For married couples, these principles are significant: our covenant reflects the holiness of God's covenant with His people, and ultimately, the Messiah’s love for His Bride.
This Weekly Parashot Reflection Parts
Part 1: The Call to Holiness (Leviticus 19:12)
“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your G-d am holy.’”
Reflection Point:
G-d does not merely suggest holiness. He commands it. Holiness in marriage means aligning your relationship with His character: faithful, pure, and loving.
Couple’s Exercise:
- Write a “Holiness Vision” for your marriage. Take 15 minutes each to write what a holy marriage looks like to you. Then share and pray over your shared vision.
- Daily Blessing Ritual: Each night this week, speak one blessing or affirmation over your spouse, specifically naming something that reflects G-d’s holiness in them.
Part 2: Protecting Intimacy (Leviticus 18)
“Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled...”
(Leviticus 18:24)
Reflection Point:
G-d outlines clear boundaries to protect the sacredness of sexual intimacy. Boundaries are not burdens; they are protection for covenantal love.
Couple’s Exercise:
- Private Sanctuary Practice: Designate one space in your home this week as a “sacred space” for prayer, conversation, or intimacy: a space where phones are off, and G-d is welcomed.
- Discuss Boundaries: Have a loving, judgment-free conversation about media, friendships, or habits that could potentially threaten your emotional or physical closeness. Write down any changes you commit to together.
Part 3: Holiness in Action (Leviticus 19)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
(Leviticus 19:18)
Reflection Point:
Our marriages are the first place where this command should be lived. Spouses are not just lovers, but “neighbors” in the most profound sense: sharing life, burdens, and joy.
Couple’s Exercise:
- Loving Actions Challenge: Each day, surprise your spouse with one act of intentional kindness (a note, small gift, prayer, or time together).
- “Love Inventory” Talk: Sit down and ask each other, “When do you feel most loved by me?” Take notes and listen without interrupting. Then switch.
Part 4: The Sacredness of Forgiveness (Leviticus 19:17-18)
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart... You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.”
Reflection Point:
Holding grudges is unholy. Forgiveness is the foundation of love and unity. In marriage, this must be practiced often and sincerely.
Couple’s Exercise:
- Teshuvah Time: Choose a quiet evening. Light a candle. Each partner shares one thing they regret from the past week, then asks for forgiveness. End with mutual prayer.
- "Forgiveness Phrase": Create a shared phrase (e.g., “We choose shalom”) to speak out loud when one of you feels tension rising, as a signal to pause and reset in peace.
Part 5: Reflecting the Messiah in Marriage
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Messiah also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
(Ephesians 5:25)
Reflection Point:
The relationship between husband and wife is a prophetic picture of the Messiah and His bride. Let your love model that kind of selfless, sacrificial devotion.
Couple’s Exercise:
- Foot Washing Ceremony (Optional for Shabbat): In a moment of quiet and honor, wash each other’s feet and pray blessings over each other. This act of humility can soften hearts and heal wounds.
- Joint Study Time: Choose a Scripture from the weekly Torah portion and study it together for 10–15 minutes each day. Share what the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) speaks to you.
This Week: A Special Gift for Your Marriage: A Weekly Couple’s Prayer Guide
Pray these together daily, or alternate nights:
- Day 1 – Holiness:
“Father, set us apart as a couple. Let Your presence mark our home and our hearts.” - Day 2 – Intimacy:
“We invite you into our oneness, Lord. Keep our love pure and protected.” - Day 3 – Communication:
“Teach us to speak with love, listen with grace, and understand one another.” - Day 4 – Forgiveness:
“Search our hearts, G-d. Help us forgive and heal where we’ve been wounded.” - Day 5 – Vision:
“Give us a shared calling and direction. Lead us together by Your Spirit.” - Day 6 – Joy:
“Let our marriage reflect Your joy and goodness. Help us laugh, rest, and celebrate together.” - Shabbat – Covenant Renewal:
“On this holy day, we renew our covenant before You. We belong to You and each other.”
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