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Over the past two days I've asked if God was your rock, and then warned you against flattery, lies, and unfaithfulness.

Today I want to end this three-part email by reminding you of the greatest truth and assurance we have as humans: God's compassion.

They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer. But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. (Psalm 78:35-38)

To quote my friend Ralph as he ends his prayers, "Thank God and amen."

Our God, is compassionate. He sent Jesus to die on the across to atone for our iniquities because he knew we'd miss the mark in life and marriage,

Instead of destroying us, he restrains his anger.

Two things to note in this:

1) God gives us mercy that we don't even come close to deserving.

2) I want to model God's attitude in my own marriage towards Cetelia. 

I want to be compassionate. 

I want to remember that Jesus atoned for her iniquity. 

I want to restrain my anger, and not stir up all my wrath. 

It's simple to love when your spouse has spoken affirming words, bought you something nice, served you well, spent time with you, or hugged you.

However, you show the maturity of your love when you love during the times when you feel it's undeserved.

That's loving like God, with compassion and atonement while restraining your anger.

As you head into the weekend, remember that God is your rock and refuge. Follow through on your commitments to him so your heart will stay faithful to his covenant. Lastly, have a heart of compassion towards your spouse.

All this will help make your marriage work.

Kevin