Craig Clouston

From The Outside

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

Stan and Jennifer had been married thirty-seven years, today. In the span of those three-plus decades resided the memories of events that could have ended what was now a wonderful and endearing romance.

Many times Jennifer would have been justified in leaving. As a matter of fact, many of her closest friends, and even some of her family, had suggested she do just that.

But Jen, as Stan was fond of calling her, never considered it an option. She’d meant and intended to keep the vows she’d taken at the wedding altar.

Stan, honest about his lack of commitment in the early years, gave her credit for “hanging in there when it didn't make a lot of sense.” He readily admitted to his reckless and wild ways. “Jen taught me a lot about love and forgiveness. Truth is…” he paused, reflection showing on his face, “I’da left me a long time ago, but Jen…she could see somethin’ I couldn’t.” Here, he chocked up, “She’s as much the reason as God that I’m standin’ here today. Had she left I’m not sure I would have cared enough to change.”

Watching them, as they lovingly held hands, it was easy to see what Jennifer saw was worth fighting for. Her commitment had given her vision, vision with perspective and hope.

†

In The Shack, William Paul Young writes, grace rarely makes sense for those looking in from the outside.

It’s easy for those on the outside to judge and ridicule, even going so far as to encourage separation and divorce because they wouldn't tolerate such glaring and unjust behavior!

With a godly perspective we, like Jen, can see something worth fighting for.

Grace is unmerited favor…given to someone who does not deserve it…given when we rarely feel like giving it. We must, as Paul exhorts, hate the evil part, giving it to God, and cling to what is good!

Grace and commitment are hard work.

God set us an example of grace and commitment. His Name is Jesus.

“Prayer”

Thank You for Jesus, Father. Help me to always extend grace instead of withholding it, and help me remain committed when it would be easier to cut and run. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.