How would you ever learn mercy, patience, long-suffering, heart-felt compassion if you were married to someone who never failed you? Who is never difficult with you?
Who never sinned against you? Who is never slow to acknowledge their sin or ask for forgiveness?
How would you ever learn grace, to pour out your favor on someone who did not deserve it, if you were married to someone who was always deserving of all good things? Do you see that?
The main purpose of marriage is that through your marriage, you both become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Marriage is the greatest instrument of sanctification. You are married to a person who does not meet all the conditions so that you might learn unconditional love. You are married to a person who needs mercy so that you learn to give it. You are married to a person that does not deserve so that you learn to pour lavishly yourself out on a person who does not respond appropriately & thus you become like the Lord we worship.
~Paul Washer
