By His Grace Devotional

By His Grace”, a devotional from Chaplain Kevin Williams, Family Programs Office; FT. Dix, NJ
April 15, 2005

Background Passage: I Corinthians 13

Focus Passage: I Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Marriage is peculiar institution. At the outset, hopes and expectations are sky-high. For many, the “honeymoon phase” continues for some time after returning from the honeymoon. The couple is still giving the effort to cater to each other. We get up to make breakfast, leave notes, buy roses for no reason, open doors, and call throughout the day just to say “I love you.” (Does it sound vaguely familiar?) As life would have it, challenges arise. They have a tendency to bring stress that tests the fabric of the relationship. Some couples rally against the adversity. Others draw lines in the sand and prepare for war. After enough battles, the hope they once had begins to fade. Unfortunately, the day comes when we look at our spouse and begin to wonder, “Who are you and how in the world did I get here?”

For all of us who have ever been married, we have used the word “love”. For all of us, there is probably a different meaning. Since we are human and have limited capacities, our “love” has its limits. This is seen in the fact that we start-off saying “I love you.” However, a few challenges, battles, and misunderstandings down the road, the meaningful exchange of these words becomes rare. This is also seen by the climbing rate of divorce (55-60%) which escalates with second and third marriages. Nevertheless, God, who is limitless, gives us the ultimate model for love. The Scripture above is the foundation of all relationships, especially marriage. Imagine where our marriages could be if we did not keep a running list of everything our spouses ever did to us that we thought was wrong. Where would our marriages be if we sought God’s Truth about our marital circumstances and sought to forgive each other (letting our spouses of the hook)? If nothing else, we could experience a refreshing hope that could keep our marital love alive and our family’s whole.

The New Jersey Army National Guard Family Programs Office has provided an opportunity for deployed soldiers and their spouses to reconnect. There are 7 Marriage Enrichment Retreats scheduled between April and September 2005. These events are designed to enrich all marriages. If you have a strong marriage, the material we will share will only help to make your marriage stronger. These events are at no cost to the soldier and their spouse. Come and have a great weekend. Slots are still available for the April 22-24 weekend. Attached is all the information you need to join us. Take a weekend and invest in your marriage. See you there.

During this Pentecost season, worship at your church with a mind to continue your journey with God. Know that His motive towards us is pure and His love is real. He gave His all with us in mind. My email is Kevin.williams@nj.ngb.army.mil. My office is 609-562-0636. My cell phone number 609-847-1477. May our Lord and Savior bless you to know His presence today and everyday.