Marriage is the blending together of two unique individuals from different backgrounds with diverse family cultures. Two individuals who have their own quirks and are coping with their own distinct wounds. Two individuals pursuing divergent passions who are often stubbornly committed to their own expectations. It's no wonder that marital bliss often devolves into dysfunctional messiness.

We all want to know what to do to improve our marriages. But marriage isn't like an engine we tinker with. It's an organism - a union between two living, breathing people. Something essential has to happen at the heart of this union before we can start tinkering with it.

We've all seen many marriages that seemed so full of promise. Two people deeply in love. A future that looked bright as the morning. A lifetime of memories to make. Yet, our society (including the church) is littered with broken marriages. Why? How could a love so strong be defeated? What can turn two people who can't get enough of each other into irreconcilable enemies?

When we were blinded by sin, Jesus showed us the way. When we were hurting, Jesus suffered with us. When we were confused, Jesus taught us and patiently walked with us. Jesus came. To us. Pure light entered our darkness. And so Jesus calls us to do the same with those in our lives who are hurting, walking with sufferers through their pain, gently drawing them to the light. This is what the church is meant to be.