Saturday, June 30, 2012

As Christ Loves the Church

When I started this blog my husband announced that I was to never write about him. So, this is not about him. This is about the love of a husband for his wife.

Everyone knows the passage from I Corinthians 13 [New International Version]: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

And who doesn’t know the traditional wedding vows? We pledge “to have and hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part.” It is easy to love when life is good, the bank account has more than enough money, and health allows us to pursue our hobbies. But what about those bad days (or months) when life is not rich with happiness and health? How a husband responds is the true sign of his love.

Love always protects. Love is a husband who goes to every, single appointment. He uses up his leave time at work and telecommutes via lap top so he can sit through hours of doctor’s appointments and chemotherapy.

Love always trusts. Love is a husband who listens to the experts and asks the questions you don’t; either because you can’t or because you’ve forgotten.

Love always hopes. Love is a husband who holds your hand when you are scared. He never speaks harshly or shows you that he is scared, too. Love is a husband who continues to show you his passion. He hugs you like nothing has changed.

Love always perseveres. Love is a husband who continues with the daily routine, giving the illusion that nothing is wrong. He keeps a sense of normalcy in a life that has been turned upside down with uncertainty and loss.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” [Ephesians 5:25]. Yes, he loves me this much.

1 comment:

  1. Yes he does. God bless him. My daughters loved me this much, too.

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