A Red Letter Day

For Ron McMann (not his real name) this particular day would go down as a “Red Letter Day”. Sales and stock for his company had never been higher. His employees were productive and prospering. He had peace and hope for the first time in months – perhaps years.

But this red-letter day was not due to his business or financial success. But it was due to the fact that for the first time in months, or actually years, he looked forward to getting home to be with his wife. He didn’t know when the flame had begun to flicker or where his wife had lost her joy and hope. But today was a red-letter day. He actually anticipated this weekend together with his sweetheart.

Ron says that his life and marriage began to rekindle the weekend he reluctantly consented to take time out from his hectic schedule to go to a couples “Marriage Encounter” weekend with his wife. It was there that Ron was confronted with the truth about his self and realized why the flame had almost died out in his marriage. When he and his wife became honest and determined to take steps to re-ignite the flame, it truly became a red-letter day for both of them.

What are some steps that couples can take to have a red-letter day? First, God demonstrated ROMANCE. The Bible is the best marriage manual around. It is out of this world. Read “The Song of Solomon” and see God’s description of His love for His bride, the church. You don’t have to be a Hollywood heartthrob to bring romance into a relationship. One can be short, balding, pudgy, or over sixty and still have that flame. I’ll admit many men, being on the more practical side, have to work at this aspect of marriage. But it pays rich dividends.

Secondly, REFOCUS on the positive concerning your mate. Instead of being critical, negative, or judgmental, think on the positive attributes. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV). Our loved ones tend to become what we think of them.

Thirdly, REJOICE! Be a fun person to live with. (See Proverbs 17:22.) “Rejoice in the wife of your youth . . . be exhilarated always with her love” (Proverbs 15:18, 19). Thank God for your spouse and circumstances. “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18 and Ephesians 5:20). It will begin to release the presence and power of God. Also, be sure to express thanks to your mate personally every day. Everyone needs expressions of appreciation. Thank God for your mate.

Fourthly, RE-AFFIRM your love constantly for your mate. Tell them often. Don’t be like the old gentleman whose wife, on their golden anniversary, asked why he never verbalized his love for her. “Well, Mabel,” he replied, “I told you the day we were married that I loved you and if that ever changes I’d let you know.” Be creative in telling your sweetheart that you love, appreciate, and believe in them. You could list ten reasons of “What I love about you”. Be specific. Perhaps on their birthday you could list according to their age (e.g. “Fifty Things I Love About You”). Love grows when it is expressed and given away.

Fifthly, READ and do the RED. A new believer in Christ was asked how he seemed to have grown so much in his faith in such a relatively short time. He held up his red-letter edition Bible (which has the words of Christ written in red) and replied, “Each day I simply read and do the red.” When we read and obey the teachings of Jesus we will truly have a “Red Letter Day”.

Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him – “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). It truly becomes a “Red Letter Day” when we receive God’s forgiveness and forgive the wrongs and hurts done to us. (See Matthew 6:12, 14.)

When Jesus allowed himself to be nailed to the cross and His pure, sinless blood was shed as a sacrifice and atonement for our sins, He provided redemption and modeled true love for a red-letter marriage. “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her . . . In this same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies” (Ephesians 5:25-28 NIV).

Do you desire a “Red Letter Day”? It can begin by committing your life and marriage to Christ through prayer. Then daily read and do the red.