"[L]ove covers all transgressions."
Proverbs 10:12
Proverbs 10:12
Last week my husband's parents commemorated their golden anniversary in the presence of their four children, three in-laws, and six grandchildren by reaffirming the vows they made fifty years ago. It was not a pretentious event; the ceremony took place on the steps of a lovely country church that was scouted out the day before. There were no flowers and no music. This celebration was pared down to its essentials, and was all the more meaningful for it.
My husband's brother-in-law performed the ceremony, and in his short sermon, he distilled great marital advice down to its core. He made the point that Nancy and Eugene had lived out Proverbs 10:12: "Love covers all transgressions." Through five decades of want and abundance, tragedy and triumph, they were able to overlook the other's transgressions because of their love. Putting aside their own pride and selfishness, they let their love for one another blanket any shortcomings.
The message struck my heart. Yes, I want to be able to celebrate fifty years of marriage one day with my own husband. Do I, however, allow my love to cover my husband's transgressions? Am I able to put my wants and hurts on the backburner for the good of our marriage? Am I easily offended, quick to mistake an innocent remark for a caustic one, or do I allow love to cloak my husband's words?
No spouse is perfect, especially me. I want Joel's love for me to put me in the best possible light. In turn, I want to view him through rose-colored glasses, putting a positive spin on every word and action. Now, I don't want to ignore any possible trouble spots, as we are to "rebuke and exhort," but we are to do so with "great patience" (2 Timothy 4:2). I just want Joel and I to love one another so that we can overlook the imperfections and encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Nancy & Eugene, congratulations on your Golden Anniversary! Thank you for the example of Christian marriage that you have given your family.
So, what verses have spoken to you this week? Post those verses on your own blog, along with how you see that God wants you to apply them in your life. Then, provide your link below so that we can drink from one another's wells of scripture.
