October 9
Respecting
the Sacred Bond
"All of you should honor marriage. You should keep the marriage bed pure. God will judge the person who commits adultery."
Hebrews 13:4 (NIrV)
Harry pushed open the door of the café, the familiar chime ringing above him. He came here every lunchtime, not just for the coffee but for the highlight of his day—Emma. She was beautiful, warm, and always greeted him with that dazzling smile. The way she wore that figure-hugging uniform made his heart race.
“Your usual, Harry?” she asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Of course, Emma. What would I do without you?” He winked.
She chuckled politely, but something about her smile seemed forced today. Harry leaned in a little closer. “You always look amazing, you know that?” he murmured.
Emma’s laughter was tight. “That’s kind of you to say.” She quickly turned her attention to the next customer, but Harry couldn’t help but notice the tension in her shoulders.
As the weeks passed, his compliments grew bolder, his jokes laced with innuendo. He knew she was married—he had seen the ring, had even heard her mention her husband a few times—but that didn’t stop him. It’s harmless, he told himself. I’m just being friendly.
But Emma didn’t seem to think so. Lately, she avoided lingering at his table. Her responses became short, her smiles less frequent. Still, Harry pushed the boundaries.
Until the day everything changed.
He had just stepped outside when he noticed a large man standing near the entrance, arms crossed, watching him. The man gestured for Harry to come closer.
Heart pounding, Harry approached cautiously. “Can I help you?” he asked.
The man’s voice was calm but firm. “I’m Emma’s husband.”
Harry’s stomach dropped.
“I know what you’ve been saying to my wife,” the man continued, his eyes never leaving Harry’s. “She hasn’t felt comfortable telling you to stop, but I will. Don’t talk to a married woman like that again.”
Shame crashed over Harry like a tidal wave. His mind raced with justifications—I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just being nice. But deep down, he knew better. He had let his desires lead him into dangerous territory. He had disrespected Emma, her marriage, and his own integrity.
As he walked away, the weight of conviction settled in. He had crossed a line he should have never approached. He needed to do better.
That night, Harry sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands. He closed his eyes and whispered, “God, I’ve messed up. I’ve let my thoughts and words dishonor something You created to be sacred. Forgive me. Help me to be a man of integrity, to respect marriage the way You call me to.”
A strange peace settled over him. He couldn’t undo the past, but he could choose a different path moving forward. Tomorrow, he would go back to the café—not to see Emma, but to apologize.
It was time to change.
Prayer:
Dear God,
I come before You with a humble heart, recognizing that I have not always honored marriage the way You intended.
Forgive me for the times I have spoken or acted in ways that dishonor the sacred bond between a husband and wife.
Help me to guard my heart, my words, and my thoughts so that I reflect Your purity and love.
Teach me to respect others, to build people up instead of causing harm.
Thank You for Your grace that allows me to learn and grow.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
