Empowerment in Marriage - What Can I Learn?

Many things in recent months have given me pause and caused me to reflect on ministry, the state of the world, the plight of my generation, how the Lord works in miraculous ways (I could keep going but I won't); however, one thing that has struck me and continues to impact me is witnessing the marriages of people across the world.

I am not married, although I hope that is in God's plan for my life, but that doesn't mean that strong marriages don't have a lesson relevant to relationships in general. I have been blessed by a family of strong marriages, although my grandparents and parents have their faults, healthy marriages have been modeled for me since childhood. There are many things one might learn from a healthy marriage but what I have witnessed these last months and has really stuck with me is the idea of partnership with one another and empowerment of your significant other. 

As I write, I have visited nine OC couples and have been blessed in how they partner in ministry together, and more importantly how they empower each other to use their God-given gifts. This has looked different with each family but the common thread is the desire to champion the gifts each person possesses. Often in different seasons perhaps some gifts have been "benched," when needs of children or aging parents take priority; however, what I have seen in each couple is the desire for their partner to be fulfilled in the work the Lord has for them.

In my limited knowledge, I think a good marriage stems from a centered and healthy relationship with Jesus and through that a desire to die to oneself and become joined with another. As I think about my relationships, I should not yet be joined with another but an attitude of selflessness should be dawned. Obviously, we are less than human and complete selflessness cannot be achieved, but I have been blessed to witness those couples who strive to love each other as Christ loved the church.

This is but a small reflection from my time with some incredible families the Lord has placed in my life. Thank you to all who have blessed me by loving each other.