put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14 ESV).

Inscribed on our wedding rings 24 years ago, this verse is a reminder of what brought us together, simply it was and still is, love. Young yet determined to begin our lives together, we always had this reminder around our ring finger.

This love begins with the One who is love,

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16).

This was our foundation as we began our marriage journey that,“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19)

Yes, marriage is a journey! That journey, like Christian in the famous allegory, Pilgrims Progress, is one that is full of hills and valleys, trials and triumphs all leading toward the Celestial City. We both take great comfort and hope in that the end of our earthly lives, is an eternity with Jesus. While the days here are full of the beautiful and mundane, the simple and complicated, the joyful and tearful all will be made new for those that place their trust in Him, when we see our Saviour face to face.

Marriage has been the utmost of gifts. I treasure my husband and am deeply in love with him. Saying this does not mean it is a perfect journey. Two sinful people committing our lives to one another and raising five children will bring many unique challenges and exhilarating moments. I shared Colossians 3:14, but let me back up and share verses 12-17,

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Maybe these following words best sum up how marriage can be beautiful, even through the storms of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving one another, putting on love and being thankful.

With these words on our minds as much as possible, we can make our best effort while relying on Christ to have a hope-filled marriage.

Some of my favourite quotes over this pandemic come from Ravi Zacharis. First one is from the Hope of Christ, Summit Ministries,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yrkZ00kX6w

“There is always hope in the possibility of what God can do in your life.”

Second, “There is never a reason to be unkind.”

Both of these quotes come from the hours of the podcasts I have listened to from the Let My People Think RZIM ministries. I often speak them into the notes on my phone so I can recall which episode I heard it from. Sadly, I don’t have the last one recorded. I will go back and do my best to find which podcast it came from.

The initial quote comes from a question from the panel on the topic of teen suicide, but I feel it applies to all of us. You may find yourself in a tough marriage, broken marriage or loss of a spouse. This quote so encouraged me because there is always hope in Christ. He never leaves us (Hebrew 13:15) and that is a precious promise to hold onto.

Lastly, advice I would preach to myself 24 years ago:

M – Maintain healthy habits and hobbies together as a couple

A – Arrive at consistent parenting decisions as much as possible

R– Relieve one another when you know they need a break

R– Rest well together to revive one another during challenging times and the good times

I – Don’t let this take over your moments and days

A – Always make attempts to speak in love, act with love, forgive with love, be forgiven with love, raise kids with love, go to church with love, fill your days with love and that begins with time alone in the Word and prayer together as a couple and a family

G– Gain what you don’t have humbly because your spouse likely has what you need more than you know

E– Explore and Examine how God can be at the centre of your home creatively

I travel this marriage road with my dear husband together. After 24 years I continue to learn how to love him better and am thankful that He doing the same. I don’t want to take this for granted and thank God for our marriage. He brought us together and for His glory. I give Him all the glory for my marriage. Happy 24th Anniversary babe.

2 responses to ““And above all these…”

1. Love the marriage acrostic. He’s blessed your 24 years because you have relied on Him as we each must in our imperfect ways. What a great God of love who gives us a window of Himself through through the gift of marriage. Bless you both . OX

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   • Thank you for the example you gave to us!
     Love you!!!
     xo

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