It took 30 minutes for my husband from his office to pick me up for lunch. For those of you who don’t know him, let’s just say that he’s not the average working guy. He works extra long hours and has heavier-than-average responsibilities. It is a big sacrifice for him to meet me for lunch and during peak hour at that. The peak hour traffic was terrible and the traffic lights terrible still. Despite the traffic congestion, he arrived in a jovial mood and we had a good time together.
Lunch may not be something particularly “romantic” but I appreciate his action nonetheless. He came despite of his heavy work load and tight schedule. His action clearly demonstrates his love for me. It tells me that I am more important than work and he cares about my being lonely. There are many instances that remind me times and again that he cares about my wellbeing despite of some inconveniences for him. Lunch is but one of them. Fetching me to MBA classes three times a week for two years is another. Keeping two dogs at my request is yet another.
His practice of “despite of” is a good example of God’s love. God loved us despite of the fact that we were sinners. He sent Jesus to die for us despite of our hardened hearts. He loved us despite of our self-centeredness even after receiving Jesus as our Saviour. The list goes on and on.
We were all called to emulate Him. We were called to bless even though being persecuted (Romans 12:14). To rejoice even with suffering (Romans 5:3). Be patient in the face of affliction (Romans 12:12). In the similar vein, we are to give out of the little that we have; to persevere with the difficult tasks at hand; to be joyful in this corrupted society.
May we master the art of despite of/even though/regardless of!
Note: This article was written for my church’s newsletter and edited for my blog.
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