Loyalty Begins in Everyday Choices

Teaching lesson

The invitation sounded enjoyable, and he almost accepted immediately. Then he remembered that he and his wife had already made plans for that afternoon. She was not there to remind him. He paused and said he would need to speak with her first.

It was a quiet decision. Yet it honoured something they had agreed together.

Loyalty is often expressed in moments like these, when we remember our spouse even though they are not beside us. Our choices can communicate that the relationship continues to matter beyond the moments we share.

Proverbs calls us to hold closely to mercy and truth. The picture of binding them about our neck and writing them on our heart speaks of qualities that belong within us and become visible in the way we live.

In marriage, kindness and truth help give loyalty its daily expression.

We show kindness by considering how a decision will affect our spouse. We practise truth by being honest about what we have agreed, what has changed and what still needs to be discussed.

Sometimes loyalty means remembering a promise when another option becomes attractive. Sometimes it means correcting an impression that leaves our spouse unfairly blamed. At other times, it means admitting that we acted without considering them.

These choices are within our responsibility. We do not need to wait until our spouse responds perfectly before examining the way we honour our own commitments.

Being loyal also leaves room for honest disagreement. You can care deeply about your spouse and still raise a concern about a decision or behaviour. Truth spoken with kindness belongs within faithful love.

As we begin these twenty-one days, ask yourself where your spouse needs to experience that they are being considered. There may be an ordinary choice waiting for your attention today.

Invite God to shape your heart before you make that choice. Let your actions reflect the kindness and honesty you want to bring into your marriage.