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Nov 22, 2023Liked by Ross Byrd

“We’ve been tricked by a shallow, narcissistic modern notion of romantic love between humans, and we have applied it to God.”

“an abstract assurance that ‘I am loved,’ rather than the more mundane day-to-day commitments”

“the trust of passion is slowly transformed into the trust of allegiance”

“All healthy, sustainable relationships are ritualized. All lasting relationships are religious relationships. It is no different with God.”

“when we learned how to date him, but not how to stay married to him. There is no going forward into further and further glory”

This is quite frankly the most profound article I have read. An idea and perspective put into very comprehendable, lucid words. This topic is something I have questioned but could’t grasp how to formulate into words! You used excellent symbolism & metaphors (the marriage metaphor works perfectly) to help me better understand so much about this concept. Moreso, it’s simple & I feel much greater equipped to have a conversation about this with others . I really enjoyed the way you broke down the 3 ways to “win a heart”.

“God’s purpose in the Scriptures is not merely that we would know things that we have failed to know. It’s that we would love the One whom we have failed to love.” Wow.

The picture of a religious relationship as the covenent was a big “Ah ha!” moment for me as well as a, “Wow, how have I never realized this?!”. The covenent langauge and lifestyle is very polarized in our culture like you descibed. I have found myself seeking the “bricks & mortar” in my walk with the Father. The picture of the church truly reflects the marriage of Jesus’ union with his Bride and what a wonderful gift that we too, can enter that union with him as well.

“He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.” John 3:29.

“If we want to see him, we must be seen by him.”

Thanks for taking the time to create and share this!

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Madeline, thank you so much for these words. It’s really, really encouraging to me that you connected with it in this way. Love that verse you quote from John the Baptist is right on. He came announcing the wedding feast. Now we’re living in it (if we can perceive it)!

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