The Definition of Grace
“If I show God how much I love him as much and as often as I show my wife how much I love her…God should divorce me.” This was a profound quote—paraphrased a bit—that a buddy said to me the other day.
I asked my wife tonight, just out of sheer curiosity, “What is the most romantic thing I’ve ever done for you?” And she sweetly listed off several items–some sweeter than others–that I’ve done. But as she spoke–to no fault of her own–I couldn’t help but say to myself, “Really? That’s IT?” In front of me was the woman I loved most, treasured most, desired most, and hearing her recount some of the ways that I’ve demonstrated my love was a highly unsatisfactory moment for me. In fact, many of the items she listed were from early on in our marriage, as in several years ago. It was a look-in-the-mirror moment where I realized that I expect more from myself in my display of my love for my wife.
While I’m fully aware of how incredibly faulted I am, my buddy’s words kept ringing: “If I show God how much I love him as much and as often as I show my wife how much I love her…God should divorce me.”
So let’s tap the brakes a bit here. Marriage is the union of two flawed and sinful people–perfection is not the expectation, right? Well, if the WORD OF GOD is any indication, we are commanded “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ has loved the church.” Christ’s love of the church? That of perfect servanthood, pure sacrifice, love without limits, and eternal grace? Ohhhhhhhh.
So how do I “romance” God? How do I demonstrate my undying commitment to Him? Is it with the same passion and love that I did when we first “met”? Is it by skipping my daily Bible readings because I’m “too busy”? Is it driving past Him when He’s clearly in need of a ride as he walks on the side of the road during the rainstorm? Is it with a loose tongue? A dishonorable retort to a question my wife asks? How about denying my faith enough times in 3 minutes to make even Peter blush?
Never before has the phrase “Only by the grace of God” been so appropriate. And it was only by the grace of God that He gave me my wife. I love you, baby.
