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
forty years, today. In that span of four 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. I'd likely be dead by
now.”
You couldn't miss the deep, abiding
love they now shared; it was written all over them, which proved that
Jennifer had shown great wisdom and strength, knowing her marriage
was worth fighting for, and hanging in there. 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 least feel like
giving it. We must, as Paul exhorts in today's text, 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 both. 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
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