This was originally written for LRBC on May 14 2017.

As I approach another wedding anniversary (not too high, just the sixth!) I am reminded of how certain things in scripture have been helpful to me. I affirm that the central purpose of the Bible is to reveal and explain the significance of Jesus, but I believe it can still bless people outside of that purpose. The wisdom of God and his gospel can be a blessing even to those who do not honour him by showing people how they can navigate and manage the challenges of life and its relationships.

Consider the well known passage concerning love in 1 Corinthians 13. It tells us that love – whether between church members, families, friends or spouses – is patient and kind rather than irritable and rude. It keeps no record of wrongs suffered. After six years of marriage and two young children I have learned that I am not nearly as patient as I thought I was! But the words of this passage remind me to be patient, and the deliberate practice of patience has helped me on this (a little!).

Ephesians 5:25 is a verse that I have kept close to me over my few years with Rachael. It tells husbands to love their wives in the same manner that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. My memory of Christ’s example in this verse has reminded me on a number of occasions to imitate him by seeking the good of my better half when I would rather seek my own interests.

If you’ve benefited from scripture’s wisdom for everyday life like I have, perhaps you would consider sharing this where the truth about God and the gospel is not welcome – God calls us to be a blessing to all people (cf. Matt. 5:43-47), and it may prove to be the beginning of even better things for them.