This week we celebrated 32 years of marriage. There is so much to be said about a holy union with your best friend, but one thing I know…God has given us a beautiful portrait of marriage.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18. And this is where marriage began.

We pretty much know what happened after that. Little Miss Eve, the suitable helper, caused the downfall of mankind. She disobeyed God by listening to the serpent and eating the forbidden fruit from the untouchable tree in the garden.

She then offered the fruit to her beloved hubby. Ah, marriage. Sometimes it’s just not pretty. Often, it’s messy and complicated. Adam and Eve had the opportunity to live in perfect harmony within the boundaries set by God in the glorious Garden of Eden.

But instead, the temptation was too enticing. Eve sinned and brought her man down with her.

Or was it Adam’s fault? Thus begins the blame game within a marriage.

As a result of their disobedience, sin entered the world making each one of us sinners.

And this is what we bring to our marriages. Broken, fractured humans living in a damaged world is not exactly how God intended it to go. But He already knew. He knew He would send His Son to bridge the gap between man and God and fulfill the redemption plan.

Marriage is a picture of this relationship between Jesus and His church. It’s a magnificent love story and while it can be bumpy and perplexing at times, we learn how to love our spouse in a way that covers a multitude of sins.

This is how Jesus loves us- with a love that is patient and kind, not rude or self-seeking. His love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

Yes, marriage is messy and at times painful. But we have the One who designed marriage painting us a divine portrait of what it can and is meant to be. Despite our fallen state and fragile hearts, Jesus forgives and loves us.

Thank you, Lord, for creating marriage, modeling a perfect, sacrificial love, and forgiving us deeply.