Service
Christian marriage is marked by discipline and self-denial. Christianity does not therefore depreciate marriage, it sanctifies it.
Long-term marital intimacy requires accepting this truth: to stop giving yourself to your spouse is to spiritually divorce them
…You only discover your own happiness after each of you has put the happiness of your spouse ahead of your own, in a sustained way, in response to what Jesus has done for you.
What keeps the marriage going is your commitment to your spouse’s holiness. You’re committed to his or her beauty. You’re committed to his greatness and perfection. You’re committed to her honesty and passion for the things of God.
Love as distinct from “being in love” is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by the grace which both partners ask, and receive from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself
"Love as distinct from “being in love” is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by the grace which both partners ask, and receive from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself"
View QuoteThere’s profound joy in the mutual and reckless pursuit of each other in marriage.
Generosity is a huge part of marriage because giving is a natural outflow of love.
When we love with no expectation or promise of reciprocity, we know what it means to sacrifice and deny ourselves in ways we wouldn’t otherwise.
The surrender of your will: If you do it right in marriage, you’ll enjoy the blessing of it. If you do it wrong, you’ll never really find the fulfillment in it.
