As Time Goes On

The power of love have a incredible nature to heal and renew hearts that have been damaged and broken for a long time, leaving us with our imperfections. But when we get married, that person we love actually has this uncanny influence to take part in our renewal of worth and value to ignite a restoration process. Marriage is truly a one of a kind institution, designed perfectly for us to grow into who God wants us to be in the future…all through one word. LOVE.

But in different cases which Keller talks about, as time goes on it becomes easier to see the flaws in our spouses. All that was once golden in our eyes, starts to fade away. We are left with the beginnings of having tunnel vision of only the “not so pretty stuff.” So how do we get our eyes off the flaws and onto the hope?

 

Perspective

It was so cool to read about the significance of how we view our spouse’s imperfections. A lot of times our spouse’s mind has self-condemning thoughts about their weaknesses already, so how much greater of an impact will our own thoughts about them be, whether positive or negative. As their significant other, our own perspective of who they are and who they are becoming changes everything. It brings hope, light, and healing to our spouse’s broken heart. So even when we can see their sin, we are able to see it, acknowledge it, but also believe that it is only temporary and what God has in store for their future is so much bigger.

Power of Love

Well then how do we get their to shift our perspective?

Through the power of love.

Paul himself in Romans 7:22-25 says this:

“So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

These are words of a man who was self-aware of the sin that entangled itself to him, yet also believing and knowing that His true identity wasn’t wrapped up in the sin itself. That the sin wasn’t who he was in Christ’s name. In chapter 8, Paul goes on to acknowledge that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and how nothing could ever separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. Love. It is love that can only bring through and bring out the best of another person.

According to Keller’s experience, most couples who live in conflict, there is at least one person thinking, “I need to find someone else who is better.” However in a Christian marriage, the beautiful hope we have in Jesus is that we actually will get someone better with our same spouse. It is going to be the future them. When we stay together and desire to work through our problems we actually start to become better humans. While although challenging, the marriage union is pretty amazing and rewarding. We can take heart and know there is always hope in the name of Jesus for our marriages.

Application

Married Couples: Write down a few adjectives and words that first come to mind when you think about who your spouse is becoming. Think and write down words of how you believe God will grow them. Speak them out into each other’s life.

Engaged Couples: Take some time for yourself to think about how you see your fiancé now, and understand that they aren’t going to be perfect all the time. Write down a list of long-term qualities they have and what you see them growing into as a person. You can refer back to that list at any point in your marriage.

If you’re just joining us, you can catch up here:

• NEWEST ADDITION TO APRIL MAURA PHOTOGRAPHY: MARRIAGE SERIES AUTHOR
• SEARCHING FOR THE SECRET OF MARRIAGE
• UNVEILING THE GREAT SECRET OF MARRIAGE
• BEING LOVED SO YOU MAY LOVE
• POWER TO CHOOSE IN MARRIAGE
• DO YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISES?
• “I’M SORRY, I CAN’T GIVE LOVE IF I DON’T FEEL IT.”
• COMMON PURPOSE DRIVES FRIENDSHIP IN MARRIAGE
• PURPOSE IN MARRIAGE

AUTHOR OF THE MARRIAGE SERIES: Taylor Wild

Note: We do not hold degrees in psychology, nor are we doctors, but people who have a heart to share wisdom.

IF YOU LIKE THE EXPERIENCE SEEN IN THESE PICTURES YOU CAN BOOK YOUR MEMORY MAKING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TODAY!

Venue, Catering, & Cake: Blackstone Country Club

DJ: JJ Michaels, Desert Music Entertainment

Officiant: Aaron Hodson

Floral Artist: Thee Wedding and Event Warehouse

Hair: Buzz and Bliss: A Salon and Spa

Makeup: Lissa Faulkner

Bridal Gown: Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner from Dora Grace

Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo from Dora Grace

Jewelry & Accessories: Shoes- Tory Burch

Tuxes: Dora Grace (in Fort Collins, CO)

Paper goods: The Print Café

Photographer: April Maura Photography

Second Shot with Pinkerton Photography