Proverbs 31:11 - 12: "The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life." (ESV)
As a wife, I tuck these verses into my heart. I want my husband to trust me and know I love, support, and respect him. Just as I know he works hard to provide for his family, he needs to know I work as well to take care of his family and provisions. We share common goals and dreams, working to accomplish them together.
But as I re-read these verses, I'm also struck with the similarities between my earthly marriage and the heavenly marriage between Jesus - our groom and us, the church - His bride. Can He trust us and know we mean no harm? Are we, the church, the faithful wife caring for our Groom?
Though the heavenly marriage has not occurred yet, shouldn't we still behave as the loving, faithful bride waiting for her love? I know I haven't. I've been unfaithful seeking false idols. I've done harm to His name at times by living a selfish lifestyle, reflecting my interests and not His. I've worked against Him, at times fighting foolishly against my better judgment.
Who wants an unfaithful, rebellious, selfish spouse? Thankfully, Jesus sees past this. He knows we live in a fallen world, fighting even against ourselves. He still loves us - so much so He died for us. How much more can one love a person?
These verses mean more to me now. They serve not only as a reminder for my marriage, but for my relationship with Jesus as well.
