Fortunately God knew this when He sent His son to be with us.  In Christ we have a friend who was human and tempted like us.  Jesus is intimately familiar with us.  He has compassion for us—even commiserates with us—and all our infirmities.

In marriage we have someone to guard our weaknesses.  God gave us someone with strengths to compliment our shortcomings.  Unfortunately many couples envy each other’s strengths and exploit their partner’s weaknesses.  Christ doesn’t do this to us—and neither should we to our spouse.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus not only to save me, but also to relate to me and understand my struggles and frailties.  Help me do the same with my spouse.  Give me wisdom to know when to lean on—even celebrate—my spouse’s strengths.  Equally, give me the gentleness and courage to use my strengths to protect my spouse where they are weak.  Thank you Lord—for the gracious and merciful gift of my spouse!

Written by Michael Tooker