It’s interesting that Jesus compares the church’s relationship with God to a marriage. Marriage is the ultimate test of human relationships. It is asking a lot for two flawed, self-centered people to live together, eat together, sleep together, collaborate in parenting, suffer the aging process in the same space at the same time, share resources, compromise in almost every aspect of life, and be happy about it. Forever.

It’s no wonder so many marriages end in divorce. We are only human.

That’s where God comes in though. God is love. He can fill us with His Spirit of love so we no longer think, act, and react like mere humans. In any relationship.

“Love is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭CSB‬

God teaches us how to love by loving us. He is the perfect spouse for this human church.

When I spend time with God, praising His character, contemplating His blessings, appreciating His forgiveness, listening for His voice, and being filled with His love, suddenly I can love others, including my husband. I can be generous with my time and resources, I can put aside my needs, I can forgive and forget, I can be patient, I can listen, and I can love.

Dear God,

Thank you for my marriage. Thank you for providing your love so that our marriage has a chance. Thank you for all my friendships and other family relationships as well. Please forgive me for the many times when I think, act, and react like the flawed and self-centered human I am. Please fill me with your love today and every day so I can love well in all these relationships instead.