I had a playful argument with my spouse over who was greater. I was (and still am) convinced he is the greater person in our marriage but he argues it to be true of me. Later in that same week he was offended by words I spoke. I did not wake up that morning intending to use my words to sin against my husband but before I even knew what had happened the deed was done.
In response to my words, he had a few words of his own which I found to be hurtful. Let me say it this way: I was hurt because he was offended by my sin! This is where you can easily start agreeing with me that he is the greater person in this marriage.
I was wounded and proceeded to emotionally pull away while trying to remain respectful. As we traveled to church the following day I felt the elephant in the car. We had both successfully carried this wound for an entire day.
In my Sunday school class the lesson was on the crucifixion of Christ. The teacher skillfully walked us through the horrific details leading up to the death of Christ on the cross. As Jesus hung on the cross He offered forgiveness to one of the robbers who hung next to Him. My heart immediately melted when I realized I was too prideful to offer forgiveness to my husband who loves me but Christ offered forgiveness in the midst of such pain.
I met my husband on the beach 26 summers ago and we married in the fall of that same year. We had our first child 6 months later. It was years into our marriage before we would both surrendered our lives to Christ and experience a transformed marriage.
As it turns out, neither of us is greatest. Christ continues to be the greatest One in our marriage!
Copyright©2014, Gloria Stucky