by Elaine

Created on: January 07, 2010

In my early twenties, I dated a man who was helpful in every way. He was my knight in shining armor and came to my rescue with daily household and automobile “fix-it” tasks. If, for example, the light bulb in my vehicle needed fixing, he was there in a jiff. In fact, without discussion (he did not take “no” for an answer), he would stop at an auto parts store immediately after work and stop by my place to mend the broken car – that day! After all was said and done, his only labor fee was a kiss on the cheek.

On one occasion, I needed…actually…wanted a bookcase lifted up the stairs to grace my bedroom. My knight in shining armor came to the rescue and I was extremely grateful as I could not lift it alone– it weighed a ton! I offered to help, but he responded “I got it, babe.”  Men?!?!

Later on that evening, I made him a “thank you” meal - meat lasagna and Caesar salad; his favorite. Then, we settled into a decadent dessert of freshly baked cookies with vanilla ice cream– delicious. Afterwards, we chatted and flirted a little – ah, romantic dating!

After the meal – as always - he insisted on doing the dishes. Now looking back, I’m thinking that I should have married him.  While bending over to load the dishwasher, his shirt raised about an inch and I noticed a horrible bruise on this left side. It was about the size of my fist, purple, black and surrounded by various scratches.

When I questioned him about the horrible mark and offered to help with the dishes, he flinched. It must have happened recently, I thought and remembered hearing him grunt while carrying my bookcase up the stairs. I felt horrible which must have showed as he quickly regained his composure. He gave me a reassuring smile and insisted that I relax, kissing me on the forehead. 

I stood there helpless, not knowing what to do next except just…believe him? I smiled uncertainly, sat at the keyboard and played a few tunes; inspirational, classical, techno – I mixed it up. We ended up singing together while he danced and cleaned the kitchen.  What a wonderful man! But, how did I not know he was hurting before seeing the bruise? Why didn’t he tell me? I could have helped him, but all I could do was just…stand there!

Then it occurred to me like a strike of lightening that he did not complain because he loved me. Yes, we were in the early stages of dating, but the action spoke louder than any words could have. He could have put down the task, saying it was too much for him, but his love for me drove him up and onward to finish the job.

 I was suddenly moved and reminded of God’s love for us. In the same way my boyfriend was bruised in this bookcase carrying task, Jesus was bruised to carry the burden for all of our sins. He was bruised for our sins and pierced for our iniquities and why? God’s word is clear that He loves us (Jn 3:16) and there is nothing we can do – just stand and accept His free gift of salvation by faith.

When I think about it, Jesus loves us so much that He was obedient in life and his death on the cross (Phil 2:8). I could never love someone with that perfect of a love, but smile in my heart knowing that his Holy Spirit teaches me every each how to love my family, friends, and even those who hurt me.

 And here is this man who bruised himself for me – a precious human example of what Christ did for me on the cross. Thank you Father for teaching me lessons every day! Amen.

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