TRUE LOVE | love through unity

   I'm going to share with you one of my highest desires for my future marriage, something I believe that marriage is founded upon, and that should be nurtured. I believe it is the key to success in not only a marriage relationship, but any relationship. Have you looked at the title of my post yet for any clues? =) Yup, you're right. Love through unity is what I believe is a key for success in any sort of relationship, whether that be a mere acquaintance, a neighbor, a childhood chum, your best friend from high school, your siblings and parents, or your spouse.

   The first part of unity, begins with the thing we are united in, or rather the being.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5  ~  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

   The first and greatest commandment. It isn't just a cutesy quote. This phrase is what the Jews had inscribed on their door frames, and wore in phylacteries on their hands and foreheads. This was the basis of their religion, it was literally an everyday reminder of who they served and why. And they needed such constant reminders, for they had hearts that were easily deceived. They committed adultery with the Lord constantly, they thought they needed several gods like the nations around them. That's why the commandment says "The LORD our God, the LORD is one!". That word "one" means He is the only one. There are literally no other options to devote ourselves to.

   In a relationship, God always comes first in the equation. He deserves all your energy and love. Doesn't "heart, soul and strength" pretty much cover it all?

Ephesians 4:1-6  ~  I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

   What this verse so clearly emphasizes is that when two people have the same passion for the Lord, a calling from Him, they already have the most important thing common. The rest of the facts, like what your calling is, what denomination you are, what country you're from, if you like Ranch dip or Catalina dressing on your pizza, are just added details. This is the body of Christ! Why? Because we all serve one God, who saved us all. We all have the same faith, we all have the same new birth into the same family. It doesn't matter if you're Catholic or Protestant, Baptist or Reformed, you have the same things in common with all your brothers and sisters in Christ.

   Now that you know what I mean by unity, what are you going to do with that knowledge? We have learned to love the Lord, we have learned that people with a mutual love for the Lord already have the most important thing in common. How about a love for other people;  your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Philippians 2:1-4  ~  Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

   This is love:  not a self-fulfillment, but self-sacrifice.

   Not only do we have a chance to lift our friends and acquaintances up, we have the chance to pour ourselves out for them. "Love your neighbor as yourself." See why this, the second, is like the greatest commandment? We are drawn together by loving Christ, and strengthened by loving each other. Find ways every day to edify and bless your siblings, parents, best friends, or spouse.

   This is what I desire most in my marriage, a relationship built on the sacrifice and love of Christ. A mutual devotion toward the Father, which will draw us together to overcome, compromise, and sacrifice, together.