Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
Today is my husband’s birthday. I prepared his favorite meal and dessert as usual. After all the cooking was done, I washed all the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Then, I sat down and prayed for him.
As you are reading this, you are probably thinking to yourselves: She seems like a devoted wife!
Well, what if I were to reveal that my husband cheated on me and then abandoned me for a much younger coworker. He left me and has been living with this woman for almost two years. I have not seen him or talked to him since he walked out on our family. Although I tried to convince him to work on our marriage after he admitted to the affair, he didn’t want to reconcile. He filed for divorce against my wishes. My husband will not be home today to eat his favorite foods. He won’t even know about my efforts.
Now, you are probably thinking to yourselves: She seems like a foolish wife.
What has changed? I am still the same person, but the perception about me has shifted based on the fact that my husband does not reciprocate my love. Standing for a marriage when your spouse no longer wants you goes against the world’s idea of love. People think you are delusional and in denial–that you are just too scared to face reality. They shake their heads in disappointment at how passive and pitiful you are.
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” Luke 6:27-28 (NLT)
From a human perspective, unconditional love is neither natural nor logical. Loving those who reject you makes you look like a doormat. But Jesus said, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless and pray for those who hurt you.
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 (NLT)
When we have been wronged, it is difficult to give up our pride, resentments, and indignation. Our hearts become clogged with bitterness, anger, and the desire for vindication. Prayer and secret acts of love can flush out some of the emotional blockage so that God’s unconditional love can flow through us.
This evening, I will sit down by myself and eat this meal I have prepared. I will not be putting pictures of the food on social media. I won’t be telling my friends about this special day. Instead, I will pray for my husband as I eat his favorite foods. There may be a few tears, but that is okay.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34 (NLT)
God bless,
Susanna in Iowa
Thank you for sharing, Susanna.
🙏
Thank you Susanna, for the reminder 🙌🏻 Pleasing God first, not this world.
God bless you, Susanna.
Inspiring and encouraging to keep fighting the good fight God has called us for. Thank you Susanna!
Hi, this is Susanna. I wrote this a few years ago and RMM had published it then. When I saw this yesterday, it felt like God was encouraging me to continue my stand. It’s been almost four years since I’ve seen my husband or heard his voice. I still celebrate his birthday the same way, making all his favorite foods and then eating them myself. I am thankful for the grace to remain faithful to the covenant. And I’m grateful to RMM for republishing this and all the daily devotions that help those who are standing for their marriages