But first, let me tell you this love story to illustrate. And yes, this story is true.
It wasn’t long that after the birth of his son Joseph that Henry started seeing Georgia in a little different light. Not only did she seem distant at times but there were days he barely spoke to her. Many times they would eat their dinner in silence. What was happening? It only got worse. Instead of eating together in silence there many days they didn’t even see each other at all. Sure, he had different speaking engagements, times he would get called to the hospital, but for the most part he spent most of his time in his own home. Georgia always had a reason she had to be away. Sometimes she would take her son but many times she left him with Henry. “I’m going to the gym and there’s tons of germs in the child watch so he’s better off with you.” There were several times Henry caught Georgia in a lie pertaining to her whereabouts and what she was doing. Georgia resented Henry’s ministry. “You care more about strangers than you do me.”
Henry refused to stop fighting for his wife and he pleaded with her. “Georgia, what about the kid’s?” He even threatened to divorce her but she continued in her promiscuous behavior. Georgia would come home with expensive perfume and jewelry, things the pastor could never afford to buy her. One time he even tried to stop her but she broke away and went off again leaving Henry with the three kids. There were times Georgia would say that she was sorry and would stop. Every time Henry forgave her and let her back in the house to his friends and families dismay. Henry gave Georgia his unconditional love and forgiveness but not long after their reconciliation, Georgia was back to her old ways.
The final blow. Henry was sitting behind his desk at home preparing his sermon for Sunday. “Henry it’s over. I met a man who is going to show me the world and take care of all my needs. I’m not coming back this time. Ever. It’s over.” His friends and family were relieved. “Henry this will be good for you, trust us.”
As Henry approached the slave auction. He had a hard time distinguishing which woman was his wife. She was a shell of the woman he married. When Georgia saw him she just shook her head no, I don’t deserve what I know you’re about to do. Let me get what I have coming to me.
Now, I modernized this tale, but it’s still true. It’s the Biblical love story between Hosea and Gomer.
I did it. “I paid good money to get her back.
It cost me the price of a slave.
Then I told her, “From now on you’re living with me.
No more whoring, no more sleeping around.
You’re living with me and I’m living with you.”
So what’s the greatest gift you can give this Valentine’s Day? Forgiveness. Forgiveness even when the other person doesn’t deserve it. Not that there’s anything wrong with getting gifts, but love is so much deeper than some half dead flowers and stale chocolate.
What are you giving, or what did you give your loved one this Valentine’s Day?
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