The last few days I have felt like my marriage has been under attack by the enemy. The evil one has decided to infiltrate our stronghold with the purpose of dividing us from within, causing separation in our hearts. News flash: he may win a few momentary battles, but he will NOT win this war! The knowledge of our life-long commitment will not waiver, though at times, we are both wounded, and our walls definitely shake from the crossfire.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12

That third strand in a marriage is the link to our Lord. He is the glue that binds us together, that keeps us strong, and that grounds us in our commitment.

Today I needed to review commitment and how I need to regularly respond better when I feel wronged.
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
But a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Proverbs 29:11

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is in her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:26-27

In this current time, it seems even more difficult to remain committed to the one we pledged our lives and hearts to. Too often the choice to quit and give up is made due to a lack of love, or it being too hard, or not what one expected. But love is not about you, it is about the one that you love. It is not self-seeking, but focused on others.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2

When we have important discussions with our spouse and he/she doesn’t respond the way we think they should, do we give up and quit? Do we argue back to prove our point? Does getting our point across actually win that battle? NO. In fact, it does the opposite. It causes our pride to inflate, but then results in guilt followed by an even heavier heart. All of this was because of not loving as Jesus loves – unconditionally.

The Lord’s commitment to us never waivers, and for that we have the greatest example of true love. He will not quit on us. He could have done that at the cross, but He chose to see it through until death he did part.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8

Choose today to remain committed to the one that the Lord has given to you, and remain committed to the One who died for you.
He never promised it would be easy, just that He would be with us and that we can call upon Him in times of trouble as well as times of joy. You promised your best friend and mate that you would be together through everything, until death do you part. That commitment should not waiver.

Prayer: Thank you so much Lord for remaining faithful to me. Thank you for being so committed to loving me unconditionally, regardless of my actions. PLEASE keep reminding me of my commitment to my spouse. In the end, my marriage is reflective of my commitment to you. We both need you to remain the head of our marriage, and in the center of our hearts.

Food for thought: “The only way love can last a lifetime is if it’s unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love.” 
― Stephen Kendrick, The Love Dare

Fun facts: About 300 couples get married in Las Vegas every day. (Wonder how many of those remain committed?)
– A 99 year-old man divorced his 97 year-old wife after 77 years of marriage because he learned of an affair in the 1940’s.
– There are 100 divorces every hour in the U.S. 🙁

Photo by: Kari Wiseman – Aging leaves holding hands