I’m always on the lookout for a good Christian marriage book and I think I’ve found one in Dave Harvey’s, When Sinners Say I Do. I feel like Harvey’s book reflects so much of the heartbeat here at Messy Marriage—the beauty of God’s redemption in our lives and marriages when we yield to His purposes and ways.

The author begins by laying a foundation for healing and hope in marriage with the truth of the Bible. I really appreciated how he fleshed out the issues and complications that our sin nature brings to the difficulties of marriage.

I don’t think I’d ever thought so deeply about this reality, nor have I seen it so completely viewed through the lens of the gospel in a marriage book before.

The truths that he unfolds in this great book brought about a shift in my perspective that has enhanced my ability to …

• Recognize my sins and failures more clearly and readily.
• Love and accept my husband without reserve.
• Understand and offer forgiveness more completely.
• Understand more fully God’s purposes for marriage, as well as, pain in marriage and life.
• Embrace the brokenness and death of this life that ultimately ushers in our hope-filled eternity.

Here is a small sampling of some of my favorite quotes:

“The cross makes a stunning statement about husbands and wives: we are sinners and our only hope is grace.”

“Once I know that I am indeed the worse of sinners, then my spouse is no longer my biggest problem: I am.”

“God has set us in our marriage, at this time, with this person so that we can perform an extraordinary task of ministry.”

“We must go back and ask, ‘What is the purpose of mercy?’ Do I extend mercy to get a response? Are results the point? Is mercy some spiritual coin with which I purchase my spouse’s good behavior? In Luke 6, Jesus makes it clear that mercy does carry a promise. But it’s a promise of reward, not of results (v. 35). Jesus never promises to change our enemies (the extreme case that encompasses all cases). What he has in view for us is a loving relationship with our Father in heaven that will increasingly eclipse any hateful or hurtful actions against us.”

Today I have five When Sinners Say I Do e-books that I want to give-away. All you have to do is comment and you’ll be entered to win one. If you don’t have a Kindle or e-reader, no problem! You can find out how to download a Kindle app at this link: Amazon’s free Kindle app. The deadline for entering this giveaway is Saturday, March 2nd at 9 a.m. I’ll announce the winners on Saturday afternoon, so check back by!

Hey Messy Marriage Fans – My post “10 Not-So-Helpful Things to Do for My Spouse” is being featured at Sheila Wray Gregoire’s blog – To Love Honor and Vacuum today. We hope you can check it out too!

What marriage books are your favorites? 

Which of the quotes above are most inspiring to you? 

Thanks again for coming by, especially if you’re linking-up to our Wedded Wednesday Blog-hop! It’s good to have you here!

Joining with NOBH, Works for Me Wednesday and To Love Honor and Vacuum

WW rules:

1. Write in any way you feel inspired about marriage or parenthood.
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Optional but encouraged:

• Consider setting up your Gravatar profile and Disqus Profile with a link to your blog … it makes it so much easier for all of us to find those of you who blog!
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