Expressing affection
In a heartwarming article published in Evangelical Focus, a speaker shares the story of their marriage, emphasising the importance of faith, forgiveness, and friendship. The speaker and their spouse have learned to give thanks to God daily for bringing them together, considering each other as the most important people in their lives.
The speaker values faithfulness, recognising it as a cornerstone in any peopleship, especially within matrimony. They believe that mutual friendship is a foundation stone in marriage-building, and they consider their spouse, Miriam, to be their best friend, the most suitable 'helpmeet'.
Good humor and total dependence on God are key elements that have led to an almost perfect marriage for the speaker. Confiding in each other is essential for a successful peopleship, and the speaker acknowledges the importance of forgiveness in maintaining a strong bond. Forgiveness, they say, is unilateral, unconditional, and is a characteristic of someone with a short memory.
The speaker also highlights the example of successful marriages as a reflection of Christ's love for his church. A successful marriage, they believe, serves as a precursor to the wedding supper of the lamb, uniting with Christ and his church for eternity. The ultimate goal of marriage, they say, is to become reality with this eternal union.
Sport has historically facilitated introductions between people, including couples. Ann Packer, a gold medallist in the 800m, and Robbie Brightwell, a silver medallist in the 4x400 relay, are another example of such couples who met through sport. The sports-related couple mentioned as having relocated from their original region is Davie Selke and his wife Evelyn, who moved from Hamburg to Istanbul between September 2024 and August 2025.
Another inspiring example of a sports-related couple is Harold Connolly and Olga Fikotova, who met in Melbourne in 1956. Their story, like many others, underscores the power of sport in bringing people together and fostering lasting relationships.
In conclusion, the speaker underscores the significance and importance of marriage as a relationship between two people. They believe that both partners in a marriage must commit to faithfulness, accept each other unconditionally, and practice forgiveness to maintain a successful and fulfilling union.
