daniel chigunwe
Laina Makuzha
LOVE by DESIGN
Here’s hoping you had a most rewarding break and Easter commemorations.
As I pondered on the meaning or purpose of celebrating Easter, I couldn’t help thinking of its significance and lessons beyond just a beautiful holiday with goodies such as Easter eggs and hot cross buns.
It is a time of reflection on what we can do better and getting up and doing it. It’s also marking the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter of 2024. How far are we with the plans and aspirations for this year — in relationships, not just as careers and business?
In this season, awash with conferences and revivals, our hearts are called upon to turn toward the ultimate love story, the one that transcends time, space, and human frailty — the amazing love of God for each one of us.
Easter commemorations, with its message of resurrection and redemption, was an invitation for us to reflect on love in its purest form. John 3:16 reminds us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Through His sacrifice, we find hope, forgiveness, and the power to resurrect our own relationships and find meaning and divine purpose.
Drawing from Easter’s essence — the atonement and the resurrection, in navigating our relationships
The Atonement: Love’s ultimate sacrifice
The cross where Christ paid for all our sins — stands as a symbol of divine love — a love that bore the weight of not only our sins but sickness and diseases, all fears, disappointments, you name it.
For believers, Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary bridges the gap between our brokenness and God’s grace.
In relationships too, sacrifice plays a pivotal role in sustaining the relationship, especially for those who are in it for the long haul. It’s not about grand gestures (though these can be great), but the daily choices to put our partner’s needs before our own. The atonement teaches us that love requires selflessness — a willingness to carry each other’s burdens.
The Resurrection — an example of how love conquered all
Three days after the crucifixion, the tomb was empty. His resurrection echoes in our hearts, reminding us that love is resilient. Couples face their own “tomb” moments if you think about it — times when hope seems buried.
But just as Christ emerged from darkness, love can resurrect even the most shattered bonds. It’s in forgiveness, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment that relationships find new life. What challenge is your relationship, or your marriage facing, where the healing power of love might be applicable?
Some practical lessons from the love of God
Husbands and wives can take time to reflect on their roles in the marriage, as outlined in the Bible. Just as Jesus Christ forgave and loved unconditionally, couples can learn to cherish this love and mirror it in their relationships. It is a reminder of the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and compassion in fostering a strong and loving connection.
Couples can also treasure the love we learn from God through:
Practising grace: Like Christ forgave, extend grace to your partner. Let go of past hurts and embrace a fresh start.
Communication: Speak love into existence. Share dreams, fears, and joys. Communication resurrects intimacy where the flame seems low on gas. If couples can just grasp this, it would make way for improvement or breakthrough in intimacy.
Acts of Service: As Jesus’ love was selfless, we can learn to serve one another selflessly. Small acts of kindness build a love and closeness that endures.
Prayer: If you were not already doing so, invite God into your relationship, commit your relationship and any challenges to Him. Praying together and seeking guidance and strength can help endure those times.
Roles in marriage: Learning from Christ’s example
Men are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, while women are called to submit to their own husbands. (See Eph 5: 22-33). These roles, often misunderstood, have sparked debate in different societies. However, rather than seeing the instruction as restrictive or debatable, couples should seek revelation together on what this truly means. It is not about domination, oppression or control, but about mutual respect, support, and partnership.
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