Love stories captivate us. Deep, unbreakable love touches our souls, whether it appears in books or movies or manifests in real life. The greatest love story ever told does not appear in novels or films but exists in the Bible. And the best part? You and I are part of it.
Jesus receives the title of Bridegroom in Scripture, while the church stands as His bride. But this isn’t just a poetic metaphor. The stunning reality shows how deeply God loves us. Consider the profound meaning the bride holds in the eyes of her groom. She holds a unique place in his heart as someone whom he deeply treasures. He treasures her deeply because he observes her with love and would sacrifice anything for her wellbeing. Jesus expresses His love for us like He loves His bride.
His love isn’t conditional or distant. His love doesn’t say, “I’ll love you if you’re good enough.” Instead, it states,, “I see you.” I choose you. And I will give everything to make you mine.” Ephesians 5: Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her so that she might become holy through cleansing by water and word to present herself to him as a radiant church without any blemishes but holy and blameless.
Jesus gave us His love, not because we were flawless. He loved us to perfection. The groom regards his bride as radiant because she stands before him now, just as Jesus perceives us as who we become through His love instead of who we were in our past mistakes. Wedding proposals should create a memorable and extraordinary experience for both individuals involved. Perhaps the scene includes a sunset and candlelight leading up to a proposal with a ring followed by a sincere "Will you marry me?"
But Jesus’ proposal was different. Envision Him prostrating himself not amidst an idyllic landscape but within the confines of the Garden of Gethsemane. Instead of wearing a wedding band, He carried the full burden of human sinfulness. His declaration went beyond a simple marriage question as He expressed willingness to take on our guilt and shame so we could be united forever. A love that bleeds. A love that sacrifices. This divine love journeys through fire so that we, as His beloved, can stand before Him without shame.
Planning a wedding requires a significant amount of time, according to anyone who has participated in the process. The bride dedicates her attention to selecting the ideal dress and confirming that every element will be perfect for the day. That’s exactly what’s happening with us. We find ourselves in a time dedicated to preparation. Jesus completed the path, but we who are His bride, continue to prepare.
Revelation 19: The command in Revelation 19:7 tells us to express joy and give glory to Him because the Lamb's wedding has arrived and His bride is ready. The wedding of the lamb has arrived, which shows that His bride has completed preparation. Through active growth in love, faith, and purity, we are becoming more like Him. And how do we do that?
By spending time with Him. By letting His love shape us. Our capacity to love others grows when we learn to love them as He loves us. This relationship isn’t one-sided. Jesus requires us to actively accept His love instead of remaining indifferent when He shares His love with us. She confidently walks down the aisle because she knows her heart belongs to her groom. Her heart is filled with love while her eyes stay focused on her beloved. Jesus calls us to actively love him in return. So how do we respond?
First, by trusting Him. The bride depends on her groom because she recognizes his love for her together with his wish to give her the best. Our belief in Jesus develops through our comprehension of His compassionate direction.
Second, by staying faithful. The bride dedicates herself fully to her husband, which shows that we should fully dedicate ourselves to Jesus. We avoid pursuing things that distract us from Him.
Lastly, by longing for His return. Love doesn’t forget. Love doesn’t get distracted. The bride is full of excitement for her wedding day, and we share that same anticipation. Our future experience will go beyond praying about Him or singing His praise. We will see Him. Face to face. Can you imagine that moment? No more distance. No more pain. No more longing. Just love—pure, eternal, unshakable love.
Revelation 21: Verse 2-3 of Revelation presents a beautiful image of the Holy City, new Jerusalem, descending from heaven from God as a prepared bride dressed beautifully for her husband. A powerful voice from the throne shouted, 'Look! God has settled among humanity and will reside with them forever as their God. God has chosen to live among His people and will remain with them. God will be present with His people and serve as their God. That’s our destiny. Our future and destiny include eternal unity with Jesus.
Here’s what I want you to take away from this: Jesus loves you without limitations or conditions and with intense passion. Your membership extends beyond church attendance because you belong to His body as His bride. He delights in you. He is preparing you. Eventually, Jesus will come to you.
Until then, live in that love. Walk in it. Rest in it. Our love story will reach its most beautiful chapter when we stand before our Bridegroom with shining faces and full hearts because we know we will always belong to Him.
RJ (Rox) Nolin