Some thoughts on marriage

Have you ever thought about how marriage truly is one of the greatest instruments of sanctification? 

How would we learn unconditional love if we were married to someone who met all of our earthly conditions? 

How would we learn mercy, patience, long-suffering, heart-felt compassion if we were married to someone who never failed us? 

Who is never difficult with us? 

Who never sinned against us? 

Who is never slow to acknowledge their sin or ask for forgiveness? 

 How would we learn grace, to pour out your favor on someone who did not deserve it, if we were married to someone who was always deserving of all good things? 

The main purpose of marriage is that through your marriage, you both become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. In the embrace of marriage, we are faced with imperfections and shortcomings that push us to extend grace and understanding. It is in these moments of vulnerability and honesty that we learn to mirror the unconditional love and mercy that we receive from the Lord. 

Ultimately, the essence of marriage lies in the journey of becoming more like Jesus Christ - in embodying His love, His forgiveness, His compassion. As we walk hand-in-hand with our partner, facing trials and triumphs together, we are continually shaped and molded into beings that mirror the image of Christ. It is in this journey of becoming more like Him that we discover the true essence and beauty of marriage.