May 31
Love
Doesn’t Hurt
"Husbands, love your wives. Do not be mean to them."
Colossians 3:19 (NIrV)
Hailey stared out the kitchen window, her hands trembling as she gripped the edge of the counter. The house was silent except for the hum of the refrigerator. Outside, the world moved on, unaware of the chaos inside her heart.
Bradley wasn’t always like this. When they first got married, his love felt like a safe harbor. But somewhere along the way, his protectiveness had turned into control, his passion into jealousy. At first, it was small things—disapproving looks if she laughed too much with her male coworkers, an offhand comment about her clothing. But now, his anger boiled over in ways she couldn’t ignore.
Last night had been the worst. Bradley’s outburst came after he found a text from her cousin—a simple invitation to a family dinner. He accused her of hiding things, of betraying him. When she tried to explain, his hand came down sharply, leaving a sting on her cheek that lingered long after he stormed out of the room.
This morning, Hailey made a decision. She couldn’t live like this anymore. As much as she loved Bradley, she knew God didn’t intend for love to feel like a prison. She thought of Colossians 3:19, a verse she’d memorized in Sunday school: “Husbands, love your wives. Do not be mean to them.” God’s design for marriage was built on respect and kindness, not fear and pain.
Her heart pounded as she rehearsed what she would say. She prayed softly, her words raw and honest. “Lord, I’m scared. I don’t know what will happen, but I need Your strength. Help Bradley see the truth, and help me stand firm in Your love.”
When Bradley came home that evening, Hailey sat him down. “Bradley, we can’t keep living like this,” she began, her voice steady but trembling slightly. “I love you, but I won’t stay in a marriage filled with anger and hurt. You need to get help, or I’ll have to leave.”
His face turned red, and for a moment, she thought he would explode again. But then something in her calm resolve seemed to deflate him. He slumped into the chair, his eyes avoiding hers. “Do you really think I need help?” he muttered.
“Yes, I do,” Hailey said firmly. “And I’ll go with you to counseling. But this has to change, Bradley. I’m praying for you, for us.”
Over the following weeks, Bradley hesitantly agreed to attend counseling sessions. At first, he resisted, brushing off the counselor’s questions and staying silent. But gradually, as they worked through the layers of his past wounds and unspoken fears, he began to change.
For Hailey, it wasn’t an overnight transformation. Trust had to be rebuilt brick by brick. She clung to her faith, seeking God’s guidance in every step. Bradley began to apologize—not just with words but with actions. He started to listen more, to pray with her, and to work on the anger that had once consumed him.
One evening, as they sat together on the couch, Bradley reached for Hailey’s hand. “Thank you for not giving up on me,” he said quietly.
Hailey squeezed his hand, her heart filling with a cautious hope. “Thank God, Bradley. He’s the one who’s making this possible.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect love, which teaches us how to love one another.
I lift up all those in relationships struggling with hurt and anger.
Help them see the truth of Your Word and find the courage to seek healing.
Guide those like Hailey who stand firm in love while trusting You to bring transformation.
May we all remember that love is patient and kind, never mean or harmful.
Thank You for being our source of strength and hope.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
