I am always amazed when I hear or read about anniversary celebrations of 50+ years. My own Mom and Dad will celebrate their fiftieth anniversary later this year! What an incredible testimony these celebrations of faithful, longstanding marriages are! They wonderfully illustrate the steadfast and loyal love by both the husband and the wife, which must be foundational in order to keep the sacred vows of marriage. This steadfast and loyal love can be illustrated in a lot of ways, but when I think of this kind of deep love, it’s the kind of love that affirms: “I’m in, no matter what, whatever it takes!”
My wife, Melanie, and I have been married for nearly twenty-three years. Not quite 50+, but, by God’s grace, we’re on our way. When we were declaring our marriage vows to one another, Melanie and I were both a bit choked up in the overwhelming emotion of it all. She just happened to choke up at the moment when it was her turn to declare: “for richer or for poorer.” We both laughed then, and we still laugh now, as it seemed she was reconsidering for a moment! I’m really grateful she didn’t! But, for a marriage to stand the test of time (and the multitude of challenges along the way), it requires a “no matter what” kind of steadfast love.
The Bible uses the same kind of language when it describes God’s love for those created in His own image. Marriage is actually meant to be an illustration of the love relationship between God and His people. The Psalms are full of praises and declarations regarding the steadfast love of the Lord. Here are a few examples: “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” – Ps. 36:5; “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” – Ps. 63:3; “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” – Ps. 136:1.
To be sure, these verses are incredibly meaningful and faith building. But, they wouldn’t mean as much if the language used wasn’t backed up by the actual, steadfast, loyal, “no matter what” kind of love that God continually shows us. The Bible is absolutely packed with examples of God loving His people, even when they did not reciprocate that same kind of love to Him!
No doubt the greatest illustration of God’s love to us is through the giving of His Son, Jesus. Romans 5:8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If there were ever a display of love that said, “whatever it takes,” it’s the God of Heaven sending His Son, Jesus, to receive and endure the punishment for unworthy sinners like us.
We are all broken. And, in spite of our brokenness and sin, God is patient with us and He still loves us. Some of you know this love because you’ve received it and continue to experience it. Perhaps, some of you have never heard of this kind of love, much less experienced it. Still others likely doubt that what I’ve written could really be true. However, if this kind of love truly is real, everyone would long for and desire to receive it, right?
If you are unsure or doubt, I challenge you to find out for yourself. Ask God to reveal Himself to you today, and may you find and experience this unique love that only God Himself demonstrates perfectly. I pray you find Jesus to be the inexhaustible well of love, joy, peace and satisfaction that He is!
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