“This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16).

Several weeks after one of the morning Bible studies at work, Gene placed his faith in Christ. His wife, Alyssa, was not happy about his decision. She was sure that her husband had been caught up in a cult. Then the day came at Alyssa’s work. Serving as a bank teller, she met many people every day at her busy branch office. One day an older couple came into the bank. They were talking quietly and holding hands as they approached Alyssa’s counter. How pleasant this couple was and obviously, how deeply in love they were. As Alyssa efficiently took care of their banking, she overheard Richard whisper, “I love you,” to his wife Jeanette. “That was sweet,” Alyssa said quietly to the couple. “I hope my husband and I will love each other as much as you two do when we get to be your age,” she added. Without a second’s hesitation, Richard told her, “Well Alyssa, I can tell you it will be a lot more likely if you include the Lord in your relationship. My wife and I have been married for fifty-seven years. Our first eight years were not so good. But then we came to know the Lord and have included Him in our lives ever since. It hasn’t been perfect, but we are best friends today thanks to the Lord!” Richard said with a smile. She could not get his words out of her mind. It was not long thereafter that Alyssa placed her faith in Christ. It is wonderful to not only be married but also to be friends!

For today: If you are married, make friendship one of your goals.