Shining and Sharing

The Bible teaches that we are to humble ourselves before God and before one another, and this concept is applicable within the context of the marriage relationship. Ephesians 5 speaks to the notion of couples humbling themselves before one another:
24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Marriage is intended to be a reflection of the relationship of Christ to the Church.  He loves us - we love Him.  He gave Himself for us - we are devoted to giving up ourselves for His sake. So, in a marriage, we find that we are called to give ourselves to Him and to one another, and to engage in that mutual dedication to one another: putting the other's needs before our own. In so doing, we walk as one and serve God together.

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Here is a passage of Scripture about how we should regard each other in the Lord, and it's certainly applicable, I think, in the context of marriage. It's from Philippians chapter 2, and it says:
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

One week from tonight in Montgomery, and coming up soon in a number of locales around the world, the Tim Tebow Foundation's "Night to Shine" event will be occurring, a tribute to those with special needs, giving them an affirming night out. 

The event certainly brings people together and provides a significant outreach for local churches, as volunteers have the opportunity to reach out in a very special way.

And, not too long ago, a young lady became involved in the Night to Shine event - according to People magazine, she "got involved because of her sister, who was diagnosed with a rare condition that caused a neurological development delay."

Her name was Demi-Leigh nel-Peters, who is a former Miss Universe from South Africa.  She had the God-ordained opportunity to met the founder of "Night to Shine," and the rest, you might say, is history. People notes:

Their connection "was instant," with Tim later telling PEOPLE, "I knew that she was a very special person. And after the initial attraction, we realized that we both share the same faith, which was so important to me."

Referring to Tim and Demi-Leigh, People states:

After tying the knot in January 2020 in the model's home country of South Africa, the two enjoyed what Tim termed a "prolonged honeymoon" throughout quarantine. Now, nearly three years later, they are still going strong and have worked together on various charitable pursuits.

About their marriage, Tim says: "There have been so many opportunities to learn and grow, which has been so cool," adding, "There have been so many things we've gotten to do together. We've gotten to find the things we have in common, but also to find where we're different. We've served together, which is the most fulfilling thing. A lot of that has been through my foundation."  The article notes:

Demi-Leigh celebrated her husband's book launch on Instagram, posting a photo of her and Tim smiling as she held up the book. "Reading this book is a perfect testimony of your life. Here's to the most mission and purpose minded person I know! With Him, all things are possible. Happy launch day Angel! I am so proud of you and this message," she wrote in part.

Here is a couple devoted to loving Christ and one another.  And, when God is at the center of a marriage, incredible things can happen.  It's also notable that they were drawn together by a common interest: a love for special needs individuals through Tim's "Night to Shine" events.  

This is a great picture of two people who are serving together.  They obviously serve God, serve one another, and are actively serving in doing God's work. This type of participation builds a sense of teamwork.  And, it reminds me how a marriage can be strengthened through common participation in the local church. 

As couples serve God and one another, they can also bring affirmation on one another.  That can occur on a number of different levels in a number of different ways.  We can be actively telling and showing our spouses how much we love them.