We’ve had a tough time reading the headlines this week. The death toll from the massive typhoon that hit the Philippines is staggering. Thousands of survivors are still desperately waiting for the aid effort to reach them. The images flashing across our screens are heartbreaking.
We both feel so helpless. Do you?
Deitrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who was hanged by the Nazis during World War II, wrote a wonderful wedding sermon while he was in prison, but he never had a chance to deliver it in person. He wrote:
Marriage is more than your love for each other. It has a higher dignity and power, for it is God’s holy ordinance. . . . In your love you see only the heaven of your happiness, but in marriage you are placed at a post of responsibility toward the world and mankind. Your love is your own private possession, but marriage is something more than personal — it is a status, an office . . . that joins you together in the sight of God.
His message got us to thinking about the “higher dignity and power” of our marriage this week. Have you thought recently about your marital “post of responsibility” to reach out to the world as a team, the two of you together? Don’t read any guilt into this message. We just want to remind you – as remind ourselves – that marriage is a great means to doubling your goodwill. It is a great motivator for “spurring one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).
Two people joined in marriage, as Bonhoeffer said, are ordained to serve others as a team. As a partnership, two people can serve other people better than they could as separate individuals. For us, this week, that means sending some resources through World Vision to support the rescue effort in the Philippines. But it mostly means we are praying together for the families that are coping with a calamity we can barely imagine.
Related Resources
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated trking with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. They provide emergency assistance to children and families affected by natural disasters and civil conflict, work with communities to develop long-term solutions to alleviate poverty, and advocate for justice on behalf of the poor. Now, we have an opportunity to partner with them to assist those in the Philippines. Here are two ways to help:
1. Donate $10 by texting HOPE to 777444.
2. Visit World Vision for information on other ways to help.
To learn more about World Vision’s response in the Philippines, click here.
I have read here about compromise is so necessary in marriage, and what do you do if you do not want to put anything unwholesome infront of your eyes, but your spouse is very angry with you if you do not want to go watch a movie that has provocative scenes in it, how do you compromise
Debby: SO sorry to not respond to this earlier (I’m blaming a technology transition). You raise a VERY good question. Compromise does not mean giving up on or loosening your standards or morals. These are part of your character. And you should never be required to alter your character as a means of compromise. In this specific situation you’re referencing with your husband, you can stick to what you believe. And you can let him know that. You don’t need to be punitive. Just thoughtful. Of course, you can ask him to help you see it from his perspective, too. If you’re both working toward mutual empathy, you’ll grow together. But when you’re up against something you both view differently it may be time for a third party to speak into it – one you both respect (a pastor, a counselor, or even a trusted friend).
The thing I most like hearing from my husband is “You make it all worthwhile”
Love this, Pat. Who wouldn’t like to hear that from their spouse. We hope you hear it often!