Because He First Loved Us

My wife and I first dated in my B.C. days. Before I had given my life to Jesus. Before I'd caught a glimpse of what Christ's love looked like, or understood how it could turn my life right-side up.

The relationship only lasted about five months. I nearly lost the love of my life because I didn't know what love was. When we broke up, I had no expectation of ever seeing Lynne again, let alone marrying her. Being the bright, sensitive guy that I was, I even told her so.

But that's obviously not how the story ended. Christ came into my life and changed me through His love. Two years later, I called Lynne to say hello. Don't ask me why. My new relationship with Jesus came up in the conversation, as did her renewed relationship with Him. She agreed to meet me for coffee. Again, don't ask me why.

Christ changed our relationship. Lynne and I developed a strong friendship, and that grew to something much more. We were married a year later. The Bible verse that served as the theme for our wedding was 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." For us, that verse explained it all.

That was almost 26 years ago. Now Lynne and I have two wonderful, Godly daughters. Lauren is a second-year student at the University of Virginia (where Lynne and I met). Elizabeth is about to graduate from high school, and is praying about which offer of college admission she should accept. We were together and all dressed up last weekend, so we took this picture.

Looking at the picture makes me very grateful for Christ's love, and for the love of the woman He chose for me.

Lynne, before God and these witnesses, I tell you that I love you, and that I will do my best to show you that I love you for the rest of our lives.