Love each other naked

Whether it's celebs clocking up marriage number three, or nine, or the latest stats on those who opt to simply live together, in some circles it seems marriage is thought of as a bit old fashioned.

But last Saturday I saw again why this institution is so special.

In the service we looked at the earliest recorded relationship in The Bible.

It says Adam and Eve were "naked and unashamed" before God and each other, but what's really going on here?

I don't think it has anything to do with clothes or the lack of them.

To be naked, in the biblical sense of the word, is to be before someone with, no shame or embarrassment, no masks, no deep secrets, no pretending.

For someone to be truly naked is to peel back all the layers and insecurities and to let someone see who they truly are.

I've had nearly 25 years pastoral experience now and in that time I've talked to multi-millionaires and the homeless, homemakers and CEO's, old and young, and so often I discover the same fear and it goes something like this: "If anyone knew what I was really like, they would not like me, let alone love me!"

On a wedding day the real question a couple have of each other is, what if I show you everything, my bad habits, the bits of me I don't like to admit exist, EVERYTHING, will you still love me then?

It's a question for each other and it's our question for God.

And that's why Christian marriage is about so much more than just the two families involved.

It's two people who in their total unconditional love for each other are mirroring in human form something of God's great love for each one of us.

Because God loves you naked.

Jesus told many great stories about God's love but my favourite is a story about a lost son.

He was arrogant, selfish, disloyal and something of a family disgrace. So what was the father's reaction on his return?

He was treated like royalty and his position as a much loved son affirmed.

Here is the genuinely good news.

God loves us naked, stripped bare of all our masks.

If we choose to follow him then that's how he wants us to love others too.

Marriage may continue to get a bashing as in deed faith does, but all the while I know God loves me naked my enthusiasm for both will certainly not be dulled.

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