Fully Seen

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:4-7

Last week my wife and I enjoyed an hour with a close friend. As we shared some news of our family and parts of our story, our friend reminded us of a great value we have in our marriage. This value has often gone “un-noticed” between my wife and I since years have passed now from our times of “absolute desperation” or “turmoil.” That is to say, Heather and I have sometimes forgotten how bad things were because things have been SO GOOD since those times happened. Can you relate to anything like this in your own experiences?

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our friend pointed out this truth to us and also brought us to think of another key element for our marriage. Both of us, (my wife and I), in fact all of us, you and others reading included, want something from others when it comes to love and life. This want, this NEED, is to be FULLY SEEN.

To be fully seen, outside of the way GOD sees us, is not an easy feeling to long for. Yet, when under the view of the Holy God we worship, to be fully seen is a blessing and shows favor. That is, God, when He FULLY SEES us, is able to FULLY CLEAN, FULLY LOVE, and FULLY NUTURE us. For the world, (otherwise known as the human race) becoming FULLY KNOWN and SEEN may not feel so fantastic. In marriage and friendships, and parenting, however, to be fully seen truly unleashes us to have real love, real feelings, and real growth with one another.

As we read these verses above and it describes “live in harmony with one another” and “with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord” this can ONLY be done well if we are fully known by one another!

This is not easy! Not only is it difficult to admit we need to be fully seen by our loved ones, it is hard to bear! That means all the great qualities I may bring to Heather through my character must be accepted along with all the “not so great” stuff. What a drag for her? Maybe not … Maybe this is God’s way of helping us with humility and patience and love for each other.

Maybe we need more of becoming FULLY SEEN and less of the hiding in the darkness…. How about for you today? Can you make a practice to bring some more light and transparency into your relationships?

Let’s get there together…