My dear sweet table leader from SemWives @kabusenitz went through this book with us when we attended seminary. Though I haven’t read this book in awhile, I recommend it to everyone. This book taught me what a gospel-centred, Christ-glorifying marriage should look like, and it’s a lifelong pursuit. What was the main take away for me? I’m the biggest sinner in my marriage. When I stopped looking at James as the biggest sinner in our marriage (and he really isn’t! My poor husband.), everything changed. I learned that until my own sin be bitter, Christ and my marriage would not be sweet. This book taught me about the centrality of the gospel as the Spirit works in our heart, through His Word, to join us together more fully as one. Again, starting with the theology of God, Dave Harvey brings very practical application of the Word to everyday circumstances, with a heavy emphasis on gospel truths. What is the point of your marriage? To glorify God by putting the transforming power of the gospel on display. Do you struggle to apply or even know what that looks like in your marriage? This is a very helpful supplemental tool.
Funny side story, James taught this book to our Bible Study group the first year we were in ministry. The car ride was a lengthy one which afforded us time to have a heated discussion (generally, curtesy of yours truly) and then apply the chapter practically. I mean hey, we didn’t want to leave our study without a real picture of how to live out the principles in the book 🥴. It was humiliating but one of the sweetest times with our group as we all grew together…and are still growing.
