Some say marriage is a crucible. Without a doubt it takes a lot of give and take to have a good marriage. To have a really good one will mostly mean to give. Most enter marriage thinking about what they can take, only to realize that—if this is to really work—it will mean self-denial and giving. The love example we are encouraged to follow is Christ's love for his church who “… gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

How sad that rather than following the Bible's teaching on marriage, so many in our culture are opting to follow the love displayed through Hollywood and the entertainment industry. They have greatly helped to tear the heart out of sacrificial love and instead parade lust as its substitute. The marriage covenant then quickly dissolves at the first sign of a bumpy road.

But thank God that there are still strong marriages and good marriages-in-the-making. How wonderful to love another as oneself—to become wrapped up in each other. Hallelujah, there's nothing better this side of heaven.

Major Bill Kean is the corps officer in beautiful Triton, NL. His weekly coffee doodles complement his passion for preaching and teaching.