John 3:16-21 & 5:24
I've been thinking a lot about marriage these days. Maybe because I've been asked to do so many weddings in 2010 and I've got one next week. But I've probably thought about it because I've experienced so much grace in my own marriage over these past 28 years and have sought the real reason for our "success."
"Successful" marriages are usually described as marriages that are still together. I'm not convinced, though that this is the case. I've seen many marriages that while they are still together, they are far from successful. Rather, successful marriages are the ones where love grows and grace abounds every day. But how does it happen?
It's not an accident. Successful marriages happen on purpose and they are not built on love!
Marriages built on love alone may not fail, but they may wane. Human love can be fickle and therefore sometimes untrustworthy.
Marriages need something else, something that love can build on, partner with, something that is equally eternal and divine...
...Marriages that are successful are built on commitment. (I'm planning on writing a book someday about this!)
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall have life eternal. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 (Translation mine.)
Yes God loves this world and always has, but there was a commitment made to Noah, a covenant with all creation. And it is upon this covenant that the rest of God's actions are built. God's commitment and love are what Jesus ultimately fulfilled in this marriage between heaven and humanity.
What does that mean for you? While it's true that God loves you, it's also true that God is committed to you. So even if you act in ways that may put love into question, the commitment stays sure.
Just like in my marriage. We are together not just because of our love, but because of our undying commitment to one another and to God.
Peace ><>
pc
No comments:
Post a Comment