… we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people…. So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvellously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. Romans 12: 4-6 MSG
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They say opposites attract, but that doesn’t explain how you’re meant to live together afterwards. When we did a personality profile before we married, it was like a mirror image. He’s off the chart extrovert. I crave alone time. I’m slow in everything – my family keeps giving me turtles. Hubby is the hare, leaping ahead but sometimes (as I like to point out) not thinking first where his leap will land him.
It’s taken us forever to realise, it’s not tortoise v. hare, but rather tortoise plus hare. We fill in each other’s gaps in a mysterious way, so that together we are much stronger together than the sum of our parts.
Comparisons are easy, but odious, as the old saying goes. Take a moment to think of ways in which you might be comparing yourself to your partner or to a friend. Then apply the antidote – remembering that we are each excellently formed by God.
Prayer (as a couple)
Heavenly Father, forgive us for comparing ourselves with each other. Thank you that you have given each of us unique gifts and ways of being. Help us to see the benefit in being married to someone who is different to us. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Lord Jesus, we especially pray for _______ and _______. Give them grace to rejoice in the person that God has made them to be and in the unique partner they have been given. Amen.
Quote
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up…. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecc 4: 9-10, 12b NIV
