"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)
Who doesn't want the perfect marriage? There aren't many who shun the idea. We all want to be loved. We also want the world to think we're loved, so we become good at disguising the truth even when we are married, especially while at church and through social media; however, how many of us really have perfect marriages?
I have to admit that I get intimidated and, sometimes, discouraged by other Christians' marriages. When I hear of the couple who waited until they got married to have any type of physical connection, I feel inadequate. When I hear of the couple who has sold everything to move to a foreign country to serve God, I feel like Justin and I are not doing enough for the Lord here with what we have. All of the comparisons make me feel guilty at times.
However, those comparisons are not from God. He gives us forgiveness, hope, and restoration. And, most of all, He gives us THE perfect marriage. When we meet Christ, we marry the perfect bridegroom. No matter how many times we fail Him, He will stay with us. No matter how many times we are unfaithful, He will continue to be faithful and never leave our side. Knowing this truth helps us have beautiful marriages here on earth as well. When a couple acknowledges their sins (past and present), God's healing hand makes what was once imperfect perfect. He can do this over and again throughout the course of a lifetime.
Last night, my beautiful, godly niece got engaged. My joy overflowed as I saw her face when she walked through the door to her surprise engagement party. The happiness was contagious. It reminded me that even though they are both sinners, they will soon swear to love each other no matter what. It's the most beautiful picture of God's love for His church this side of heaven. It's a redeeming love, like His. It's a faithful love. Most importantly, it's a selfless love.
My prayer is that God would bless all married Christians with the desire to love our spouses like He loves us. That way, we can show the world how His perfect love covers a multitude of sins, making the imperfect perfect no matter the circumstances.
