Today’s chapter is called Love brings unity. I love the verse in the sub-heading, which is from what’s called “The High Priestly Prayer.” It’s what Jesus prayed to His Father in the Garden just hours before His arrest. He prayed: “Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.” (John 17:11)
This chapter is just beautiful.
Father, Son, and Spirit are in pristine unity. They serve each other, love each other, and honor each other. Though equal, they rejoice when the other is praised. Though distinct, they are one, indivisible.
And because this relationship is so special – so representative of the vastness and grandeur of God – He has chosen to let us experience an aspect of it. In the unique relationship of husband and wife, two distinct individuals are4 spiritually united into “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). And “what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Mark 10:9).
In fact, this mystery is so compelling – and the love between husband and wife so intertwined and complete – that God uses the imagery of marriage to explain His love for the church.
The church (the bride) is most honored when her Savior is worshiped and celebrated. Christ (the bridegroom), who has given Himself up for her, is most honored when He sees her “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any oither blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27). Both Christ and the church love and honor the other.
That’s the beauty of unity.
The chapter then takes one of this often-read passages and concepts and gives practical application to it by asking questions.
Husband – What would happen in your marriage if you devoted yourself to loving, honoring, and serving your wife in all things? What if you determined that the preservation of your oneness with this woman was worth every sacrifice and expression of love you could make? What would change in your home if you took that approach to your relationship on a daily basis?
I’ll add my few questions, too. What if we saw our wife as more than just a piece of our American dream (nice wife, nice career, nice house, nice calendar of enjoyable events)? What if we actually treated her like she was more important than we were? What if we actually put her FIRST? (you know, after God, but before ourselves)
Wife – What would happen if you made it your mission to do everything possible to promote togetherness of heart with your husband? What if every threat to your unity was treated as a poison, a cancer, an enemy to be eliminated by love, humility, and selflessness? What would your marriage become if you were never again willing to see your oneness torn apart?
The unity of the Trinity, as seen from beyond the reaches of history past and continuing into the future, is evidence of the power of oneness. It is unbreakable. It is unending. And it is this same spiritual reality that disguises itself as your home and mailing address. Though painted in the colors of work schedules and doctor visits and trips to the grocery, oneness is the eternal thread that runs through the daily experience of what you call “your marriage,” giving it a purpose to be defended for life.
Therefore, love this one who is as much a part of your body as you are. Serve this one whose needs cannot be separated from your own. Honor this one who, when raised upon the pedestal of your love, raises you up too in the eyes of God, all at the same time.
Today’s Love Dare:
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
Perhaps listening to “Sigh No More” (the song) by Mumford & Sons will be a good addition to this dare…
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