This is my second article on the fourth chapter of Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp's book, How People Change. I published the first article six days ago. In this post, I just want to talk about the importance of knowing Jesus our Groom, and the blessing of our union with Him as Christians.

The Importance of Knowing the Person We Are Marrying

Since marriage from a traditional and biblical perspective requires a lifetime commitment, it is of paramount importance to know first the person we intend to marry. Taking this basic requirement for granted could be a recipe for a life of misery. Before you say "I do" to a lifetime commitment, you are doing yourself a great favor if you take the time to know that person first who will be your lifelong companion as you journey through the challenges and blessings of life. Christian discipleship is described in similar terms when Jesus asked his followers to count the cost.

As for the character of Jesus as a groom and husband of the church, there is nothing in Him that is ugly. Everything about him is beautiful. If we truly know who he is, I doubt if a Christian will still find false lovers attractive.

The reason why Christians fall into false love is because their knowledge of Christ is superficial. The Bible is rich in terms of providing a comprehensive overview of the character of Christ. He is God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the Faithful Husband, the Greatest Lover, the Provider, our Ultimate Security, and the One Who Does Not Change. These characteristics are the ones we are seeking in vain in human partners, and that is why there is no one here on earth who can satisfy someone's deepest longings. Only Christ can give us what we have been looking for elsewhere.

Such an amazing Husband deserves nothing less than our pure devotion and sincere love. He deserves to be the center of your life.

The Blessings of Spiritual Union

Unlike human marriage where both the husband and wife share their weaknesses and strengths, in the case of our union with Christ, there is nothing in Him that can be considered weak. As humans, what we bring into this marriage is our weaknesses and Christ brings all his strengths. Nevertheless, despite that we brought nothing but liabilities into this spiritual union, Christ still decided to marry us.

In human marriage, when our partners start to know our true character, they tend to be disappointed. A couple that decides to stay in marriage despite knowing each other's faults is indeed blessed; that to me is the real meaning of love. Unfortunately, not many experience such kind of love. Most people decide to leave their partner when they come to know their real character. Others who stay just endure perhaps due to old age or lack of choice. Such a possibility of abandoning us does not exist in our spiritual union with Christ. There is nothing in us that can surprise him no matter how ugly we are. There is nothing in us that He doesn't know. The good news is, that despite everything, Christ still decides to love us unconditionally. No human person can love us the way Jesus loves you and me.

Source: Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp. 2006. How People Change. Greensboro: New Growth Press.