Holes in the Fence

Read

Romans 5:10, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!”

Think

There was once a boy who had a bad temper. After yet another outburst, his father gave him a bucket of nails and told him to hammer one into the fence for every time he’d had an angry outburst. Once finished, the father told him to remove the nails. This, of course, left holes, marring the fence. The father then explained how our words and actions can damage people and leave scars.

The Bible doesn’t mince words about how God wants us to treat one another — especially our spouse. Picture the person who you vowed to honor before God for life, the person to whom you so willingly said, “I do.” They are that fence — and you are theirs!

Most of us have experienced this kind of damage — and caused this kind of damage. Fortunately, God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and rise again so that we could be reconciled to the Father (God) when we choose to believe in the Son (Christ). Because God didn’t spare His Son from death, we can now experience His total love, grace, and forgiveness. And we’re to extend the same to others — which is exceptionally vital within marriage.

When we allow the same love and forgiveness God has shown us to fill those holes, God’s glue of grace will filter down to our children and leave a lasting legacy.

Act

When tempers start to flare or nerves begin to fray, and someone says something snippy to you, make a point to remember the grace God has shown you. Don’t respond in anger. Your calm demeanor may not be reciprocated in the moment, but it reflects the overall character and nature of Christ and will prevent additional damage.

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and kindness. I know my words and actions should reflect Your character, but I fall short. Help me guard my tongue and think about how my actions affect my spouse and those closest to me. Please heal the wounds my wrongs have caused. In Jesus’ name, Amen!