This past week my husband and I had lunch with some very dear friends to celebrate their 71st anniversary. Yep, that figure is not a typo. Many of us find it difficult to imagine that huge number because most marriages today don’t even last 7 let alone a single year.
I have personally known this couple for approximately twenty-five years and have observed just how sweetly they have always loved each other. Truly, they are patient, kind, loving, considerate, forgiving and actually eager to serve each other.
Some people believe that most people treat their spouse sweetly only while others are watching and not so tenderly when nobody is around. That may be true for some couples but it is highly unlikely that this is the case for those who stay together as long as my friends have.
Even though this couple exhibits endearing character with each other they would be the first to tell you that they had to overcome some things in order to develop it. People are just not born sweet and tender.
While having lunch with my friends I took advantage of the opportunity to find out what their secret was.
I boldly asked them, “What is your secret for being married 71 years?” They responded in unison, “Jesus”!
I John 4:16 says…”God (Jesus) is love…” and, I Corinthians 13:4-8 says, “Love has patience, love is kind, not jealous, love does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor, it does not seek things for itself, it does not become angry, it does not charge evil to another, it does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices together in truth: it endures all things, it believes all things, it hopes all things, it is steadfast in all things,” .
I heard it said that man loves us because of us but God loves us in spite of us. When we follow Jesus He will show us how to do His love walk.
Continuing with the interview, the husband spoke up to tell me that when they first married they agreed it would be forever and that his wife went so far as to hang a sign in their bedroom stating that.
The wife bragged on her husband saying he was a very patient man, just like Jesus. Because of this attribute she never felt he was overly critical about things that she said or did but rather patiently sought to understand her. She, in turn practiced being tender and was eager to serve him.
So the secret to their long-lasting, loving marriage was that they made Jesus Lord and learned how to love each other His way.
Do you realize that Jesus is really the best kept secret to anything and everything good in this life??? Let’s not keep Him secret any longer. If you know Him introduce Him to everyone you know!
Everybody experiences times when being patient, kind, etc. can be very difficult no matter who is watching. Taking personal responsibility for those inward and outward issues are much easier when we know the Lord Jesus who is able to show us the Way regarding the things that pertain to life.
So, if you do not know Jesus let me introduce you. He stands at the door of your heart to come in. (Revelation 3:20) All you have to do is invite Him in and ask Him to forgive you for doing things your own way. Make Him Lord of all.
It may help to get a copy of my book “Character Blocks” which provides a word picture of how Jesus will help you build your spiritual house. You can purchase it by going to the “Book” section of this website.
Also, if you have questions about the Lord leave those inquires in the “comments” section at the end of each post. A response will be given. Or find a pastor who can help you understand.
Many blessings,
Dr. Terry