Love inside Weinsberg Castle

April 27, 2006

By Doug Graham

What is the ultimate expression of love between a man and a woman? Some would say that love’s greatest expression occurs at the wedding altar. But I would disagree. It’s not hard at all to express love at the wedding altar. The bride is as beautiful as she’s ever been; the groom is more handsome than ever. Expressions of love during a wedding flow naturally and with ease.

Love’s greatest expression takes place when it’s not expected. For example, have you ever heard the story of the “Faithful Wives of Weinsberg”?

The wives who lived within the walls of the Weinsberg Castle in Germany were well aware of the riches it held: gold, silver, jewels and wealth beyond belief.

However, in A.D. 1141 all their worldly treasure was threatened. An enemy army surrounded the castle and demanded the fortress, the fortune and the lives of all the men within. There was nothing to do but surrender.

Although the conquering commander had set a condition for the safe release of all women and children, the wives of Weinsberg refused to leave without having one of their own conditions met as well. They demanded that they be allowed to fill their arms with as many possessions as they could carry out with them. Knowing that the women couldn’t possibly make a dent in the massive fortune inside, their request was honored.

When the castle gates opened, the army outside was brought to tears. Each woman was carrying out her husband.

You see, the wives of Weinsberg Castle were well aware of the true riches inside the castle. Following this episode the castle was called Hill of Weibertreue, to celebrate a “woman’s fidelity.”

Do you treasure your spouse? Are your loved ones the most treasured possession in the “castle” of your life? Whether you’re married or not, celebrate the true treasure of life! Love that God has for us is something no one can take away from us. May the love we have for our spouse, our kids, our parents, our friends be as enduring as the love those 12th-century wives had for their husbands.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts
by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5, NIV).

Doug Graham is senior pastor of Evangel Temple (AG) in Bismarck, N.D.