When examined closely, Christ's relationship with us is a relationship of devotion and love. He has given one hundred percent in everything He has ever done. He never once lost sight of the goal. He was even willing to give his very life for the promise of a family and coming Kingdom.

2 Corinthians 8:9 says,  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich”(NIV).

Christ's example of giving in a world that is all about get is a true testament to the everlasting relationship that He wants to cultivate with us. Do we give our all in our relationship with Christ, our Heavenly Father and our own loved ones? Do we surround ourselves with the best examples we can or do we coast along in our everyday lives hoping we are doing the right things?

Giving

A young newly married man said to his wife, "I want and deserve your best and you should expect the same from me”. The young man gave his best. How many times have we halfheartedly given of ourselves; not only to others, but with God our Father?

Dedication and love take time. Our Father knew how hard it was for us in the beginning and gave to us the most wonderful book of encouragement, a book full of the Living Word of God and the promises of God. The Bible gives us all the guidance we need.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (ESV throughout unless noted).

To give our best, we need to be our best. That means committing ourselves to growth, which can only be accomplished by setting aside time for daily renewal, repentance and spiritual growth through the reading and study of the Word of God. We are told in Acts 4:12 “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (NKJV).

By setting an example of commitment in reaching the promise of the Kingdom - we become a beacon of light in the dark that others around us can follow.

Setting examples

The newlywed man was a man of character. He served his country and after his service, he became a police officer serving his community. He always gave his best in all he did and he also gave his best to his wife. She followed suit and when things got tough and trials came, she rose to the occasion. Throughout their marriage they set an example for all that knew them.

By surrounding ourselves with examples of faith, endurance and love, we are able to continue to strive for growth even in times of trouble. We learn so many lessons from the examples of others, both good and bad. Hebrews the 11^th chapter gives us so many examples of endurance but Hebrews 12:1-3 gives us some truly inspiring advice and tells us who the greatest example of all is:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured for sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Train up a child in the way that he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Are we not as children? If so than we need to be teachable?

Choosing right

As the man grew older, his marriage grew stronger. He showed his wife love and tenderness. He treated her with the utmost respect even in times of trial. In time, their two children grew and moved away from home. His wife studied, trained and became a nurse.

One day when he came home, he opened the front door for his wife to walk through, which opened to a flight of stairs. As the man stepped out of the way of the door, his foot slipped and he fell to the bottom of the stairs. The man was diagnosed with a severe brain injury and his wife was prepared to help him.

Good relationships take time to build and strengthen but are easily damaged. When the going gets tough sometimes the tough get going - right out of our lives. Trials test our relationships. They test our ability to rely on our Father and also upon one another. We have to remain strong through whatever comes our way. God the Father shows us that each and every trial can be used as a tool to teach us. We can turn away or we can show the faith in our Father that he shows in us. Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Though not every trial is from God the ones that are show Gods love for us. How can we not rejoice?

Light in the dark

The wife gave her best. Her husband had given her the best examples throughout their married life even in times of trouble and she knew that now her best was needed. She waits for the Kingdom with patience and love. She cares for her husband and remembers the love and care that her husband had for her. Her hope and joy are secure in the knowledge of the kingdom and she waits for the promises of God to be fulfilled.

Throughout his ministry Christ left us His example. We are shown many wonderful examples of love within the Word of God and we need to set examples of our own to those around us. In every small thing we do – others are watching. We need to shine bright in the dark so as to lead the way for others. Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

As a district nurse, I sometimes help the woman in this story to care for her husband. I was always struck by the loving example that he set as the head of their household in serving her and their family. And now I see that example of love being returned to him by his loving wife as she cares for every need that arises since his fall down those stairs James 5:7-8, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (NIV).

To more fully understand how a family works together request our free Bible study aid, Marriage and Family: The Missing Dimension.