When my spouse forgives me
and accepts me, I learn to receive God’s forgiveness and acceptance. In that
moment my spouse is modeling God to me. Revealing God’s mercy, my spouse is
helping me see, with my own eyes, a very real spiritual reality.
(Adapted from Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas)
Welcome to Coffee Hour at
Chicklit Power with Megan’s Monday Mantra and Trench Classes United.
Today is my husband’s and
my 18-year anniversary. I look back at
the person I was eighteen years ago and I cringe a little … okay, I cringe a
lot. J I think God has a sense of humor. He seems to enjoy
gifting us with a spouse who is vastly different from us. In many ways, my husband and I are complete
opposites. The concept of “opposites attract” does not feel so attractive when
you and your spouse are grinding through your differences. But I have learned
to be grateful for them. Through these differences, the Lord sculpted our
marriage into the intimate and trusting relationship we share today. Other than
God Himself, I love my husband more than anything else in my life.
The marriage relationship
was the first human institution established by God. (Genesis 2:24) Marriage
mirrors God’s covenant relationship with His people. A covenant is a formal
arrangement between two parties that binds them together. Each party has an
obligation to the other rooted in mutual loyalty and commitment. The Hebrew
word for mirror is “to reflect God.” Chiseling off our selfish human nature, He
shapes us into “other-centered” spouses whose marriages reflect a clear picture
of Christ’s love.
In Sacred Marriage, Gary
Thomas writes, “We need to learn to fall forward. That is, when we are
frustrated or angry, instead of pulling back, we must still pursue our partner
under God’s mercy and grace.” He goes on to suggest this helpful prayer:
“Lord, how
can I love my spouse today like he/she has never been loved before or ever will
be.”
I’m pretty sure this is a
prayer God is ready to answer.
Your comments are always
most welcome.
Lovingly in Christ,
Megan
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