As described the last two days, these blogs are from the message by Pastor Johnny Hunt, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA on "The Effects of the Gospel on Marriage" preached April 15, 2012.
The reason that marriage is so painful and yet wonderful is because it is a reflection of the Gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The Gospel is this: we are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. This is the only kind of relationship that will transform us.
Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws.
Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it.
"God's saving love in Christ, however is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The commitment and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God's mercy and grace." Tim Keller
The hard times of marriage drive us to experience more of this transforming love of God. The Gospel can fill our hearts with God's love so that you can handle it when your spouse fails to love you as he or she should.
