My wife and I attended our yearly church marriage retreat last week. We enjoyed the time with our friends and church family. It was relaxing as we explored trails and stared at the mountains that still had patches of snow on its slopes. Then there was the marriage material that was presented to us during the retreat. It was enlightening.
Ephesians 5:22-33 lays out the model for our earthly relationship with our spouse as demonstrated by Jesus Himself, as He loved the church. The scriptures lay out the model of leadership, love, unity, submission and accountability. It is apparent that it is designed by God to honor Himself.
As the description went on, the picture slowly came into focus. The design of our marriage was to reflect the gospel. Think about it. The fact that we don’t deserve eternal life by our own merit is revealed by the gift of grace. The act that provided that grace was sacrificial in nature. Our marriage is no different. When we are no longer reconciled with each other, due to an argument or some emotion we seek justice, sometimes more. We usually want an apology and probably some time to let the spouse know just how wrong we have been treated. However, that’s not what God required of us and we need to follow in His actions. Give grace. That’s right. When we respond in grace we reflect the gospel that has offered grace to us. We must give forgiveness and release any right for compensation for our being wronged. I realize that my walk in Christ involves my marriage being on display. If I am not reflecting the gospel in my marriage I am not honoring God by honoring His design.