“Do you want to know when I knew that he was the right one?”
My sister was reminiscing about her husband’s marriage proposal to her ten years earlier. Her first husband, Jake, passed away from pancreatic cancer. It was several years later when she met her present husband. They immediately connected to the delight of our family and friends. It was a whirlwind romance and she confidently declared that “when you know you know.” She then shared the moment that convinced her. “I was snooping in his personal calendar. I turned to the month of September, hoping to find my birthday indicated on the 27th. Instead, my eyes focused on September 14th, where it said ‘Jake’s passing’. My heart dropped to my stomach. Why did he have this on his calendar? If I ask him about it he will know I was snooping! But being the female that I was, I had to ask! So I did and what his answer was is nothing I would have guessed in a million years. He told me he put it down in his calendar so that if I seemed upset or sad that day, he would know why and would understand. At that moment, I knew this was a man who knew my heart was big enough to love two people. That if I shed a tear, which I do, it would be ok and he would understand. After telling me this, I knew he was the one.”
It was a beautiful and tender example of the endearing love my brother-in-law has for my sister. The Bible shares a moving demonstration of love for another.
One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied. The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”
2 Samuel 9:1-3 (NLT)
Saul was the king before David. Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When Mephibosheth was summoned before David, he was in great fear. In those days, a new king may execute or banish family members of the former king. David’s treatment of him was completely unexpected.
…David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”
2 Samuel 9:7 (NLT)
David demonstrated his love to Mephibosheth, to honor the friendship he had for his father, Jonathan. My brother-in-law demonstrated an unselfish love and devotion to my sister, honoring her first husband. In both examples, their love transcended their immediate relationships. It is a beautiful representation of the love that Jesus Christ has for all of us. Even when we were sinners, Jesus Christ died for us, receiving the punishment that we justly deserved.
A heart that is big enough.
Praise God for His grace and mercy to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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