Faith in Marriage

I'm having one of those super sensitive, hormonal, what-is-the-matter-with-all-you-people?! kind of mornings and he perfectly displays the love chapter. Love is patient. Love is kind . . . He doesn't call me on my crap, but quietly loads the dishwasher.

I like his hair longer. He likes it short. So when he comes home with a super short new cut, I'm honest that I'm not crazy about it, but tell him it's only hair and doesn't really matter and it doesn't. God said so through Samuel. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Though he just wants to come home, and the grocery store will surely be packed and chaotic, he stops there for me anyway, modeling God's words to serve one another in love.

It's been a long day, one that didn't go according to schedule, and as the night comes to a close and the bed beckons, he wants to talk about his evening. Though my head aches and I've had enough talking for one day, I listen, recalling Paul's words to the Philippians. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I approach him, feeling shaky, scared about what God may be asking me to do, telling him of all the "coincidences" and wondering if I'm hearing things right. He listens carefully then says, "I think you're supposed to do it." When I try to get out of it by mentioning the great cost he says, "I'm not worried about the money. God'll figure it out." And I thank God for a husband who understands his responsibility to encourage one another and build each other up.

I'm not completely comfortable with a big purchase he wants to make, but I've seen him seek advice, watched him handle the negotiations. I recognize the look of desire in his eye and appreciate his patience with his wife who has a hard time with change. I remember God's clear edicts in Ephesians. Women submit to your husbands as to the Lord and the wife must respect her husband. He's handled things responsibly and done everything he can to make this more comfortable for me, so I choose to trust him to buy it. (Later I'm so glad we did! Nice work, babe.)

He resists the eye rolls. I stifle the sighs. We do the right thing, though we may not feel like it, knowing love covers over a multitude of sins.

Married life isn't always pretty. Or convenient. Or easy. Both being in tune to God can make it easier. Our faith helps us do it better.

How is your faith displayed in your marriage?

Find more thoughts on faith in marriage by clicking over to Chrysalis for more Marriage Monday posts.