... let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

God’s purpose for marriage, based on Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5:28-33) becomes our purpose for our own marriage and passing it on to our grandchildren. During last summer’s celebration of our 60th wedding anniversary, still very much “in love” and thankful for God’s love through Jesus, we attended the wedding of a grandson and his beautiful bride in Kansas City.

When they asked if they could spend a few days in our home for a delayed honeymoon in St. Louis, we gladly welcomed them to stay in our guest bedroom upstairs which we renamed the “Honeymoon Suite.” They both plan to pursue full-time church work and want Jesus at the center of their marriage. Encouraging them fulfills our purpose in life.

Stephen J. Carter
Oakville, MO

Thanks, Lord, for your saving love in our marriage to be shared freely. Amen.

Reflect: How might you encourage a family member to rely on Christ’s love in their marriage?

Read: Ephesians 5:28-33 and Psalm 128