Disclaimer: Names changed.

“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Phil and Wendy were entertaining a young couple who had just started attending their small group Bible study. Mark and Chris had just recently trusted Christ to be their Savior. Clearly they could see how the Lord was working in the lives, home and marriage of Phil and Wendy and it was a blessing to them.

The ladies were in the kitchen, and the guys were settling into the family room. “Phil,” Mark quietly said, “you and Wendy are so different from many of the couples we’ve known over the years. You obviously are very much in love with each other. How do I get there with Chris? That’s what I want. It’s just that I don’t know where to start,” he said so sincerely. With a smile, Phil replied, “I am very much in love with Wendy. The Lord has worked in our lives, and He can in your marriage as well. I don’t have a long list, Mark. I try to keep the Lord first. I seek to honor my wife as a tremendous gift from the Lord. I keep myself reserved exclusively for her and never give her a reason to doubt my marriage covenant. We invest time daily in reading the Bible together and praying, and I guess about the last thing I’d say is that we try really hard not to go to sleep mad at each other because that is what the Word of God says in Ephesians 4:26. We’ve been up late more than once, but it is good to get matters settled, apologize when it is appropriate and get it done that day. Guess that’s about how the Lord has worked in our lives, and He can in your marriage as well.”

Just then the ladies came in, and Chris asked, “So what were you two talking about in here?” Phil was quick to reply, “Oh, nothing much. We were just discussing how blessed you two are to have such wonderful husbands!” Needless to say, much laughter broke out immediately. It was a great moment in their friendships.

I have a couple of parting questions for you today: Is there someone you need to forgive? Or perhaps is there someone to whom you must apologize? It may be hard, but it will be so worth it.