One of the most damaging ideas in "Christian" circles today sounds humble… but it’s not. It goes like this “I’m just a sinner, saved by grace.” Sounds harmless. Maybe even spiritual. But if you follow that line what it quietly teaches is this God made something that is still fundamentally broken. You. That’s not humility. That’s an accusation. Start at the beginning Genesis 1:31 (NASB) – “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Not “mostly good.” Not “good, but flawed.” Very good! Man was not created inadequate. Man was created complete, intentional, and bearing the image of God. Genesis 1:27 (NASB) – “God created man in His own image…” You don’t stamp your image onto something you consider defective and broken. So what actually went wrong? Romans 3:23 (NASB) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Notice what it says, not what we add. It does NOT say Man was created falling short Man was designed as a sinner It says Man sinned. Period That’s a behavior problem. A rebellion problem. Not a design problem. Where the language matters When someone says “I’m just a sinner saved by grace…” They are defining themselves by the very thing Christ came to deal with. But Scripture never does that. What does Scripture call you now? Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) – “For we are His workmanship…” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB) – “If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation…” Romans 6:6 (NASB) – “Our old self was crucified with Him…” Not being crucified. Not slowly dying. Was crucified. So let’s say it plainly You are not A sinner trying to behave better You are A new creation learning to walk in what God already made you to be, if indeed you are in Christ. Why this matters in a blended family If you walk into your marriage thinking: “I’m broken at my core… I’ll always be a mess…” Then guess what you’ll tolerate? Disrespect Excuses Cycles that never get broken Because deep down, you falsely believe that’s just who you are.

One of the most common accusations thrown at remarried couples in the church is this “You’re committing adultery.” Not committed. Not made a mistake. But committing, as if the marriage itself is a permanent state of sin. But let’s think about how language actually works. If a police officer pulls you over and says: “You are speeding.” What does that mean? It means you committed the act at that moment. The officer does not mean you will now be speeding for the rest of your life. The violation happened when the act happened. You slow down. You move forward. Everyone understands this. But when the topic is remarriage, suddenly some people treat it like the unforgivable sin. That’s not how language works. And more importantly, that’s not how God works. Romans 6 says “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be.” (NASB) Christ didn’t come and die, so people could stay trapped in their past. He died so people could repent, change direction, and walk in newness of life. Now let’s be clear. This is not permission to blow off the importance of marriage. Someone who jumps from marriage to marriage without repentance has a completely different problem. But there are also thousands of people who • were cheated on • were abandoned • made mistakes before they understood God’s will • came to Christ later in life And now they are doing everything they can to build a home. Those marriages are not the enemy. And constantly beating them with their past does not produce righteousness. It produces shame, silence, and broken congregations. Blended families are already doing one of the hardest things a household can do Building stability after chaos. Instead of tearing those families down, the church should be asking better questions. Are they faithful now? Are they raising their children according to Gods Word and training their hearts? Are they building a home that honors God? Because the point of death on a cross was never been to keep people chained to their worst moment.

“And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NASB) He doesn’t say, “Try harder to love.” He doesn’t say, “Wait until they deserve it.” He doesn’t say, “Love equally, immediately, and effortlessly.” He says God causes the increase. That matters deeply in blended families. Love in a blended family is often uneven, delayed, and tested. Affection doesn’t always arrive as planned. Trust doesn’t form on demand. Forced Unity doesn’t come. So Scripture doesn’t place the burden on your emotions. It places the work on God’s action. Your role is not to play love. Your role is to remain submitted. Paul also uses two words intentionally Increase and growth Abound and overflow beyond what feels natural That means love in your home may start small… and still be obedient. If you’re loving more, God is at work. If you’re responding with restraint, God is at work. If you’re staying faithful, God is at work. Blended families don’t fail because love is absent. They fail when we expect love to arrive fully formed. Let God do what only He can do. Stay planted. Stay obedient. Let Him do the job he promised.

Before the weekend hits, do this one thing: 👉 Speak one clear, specific word of appreciation to your spouse about how they lead your family, not feelings based, facts based. Not “thanks for everything.” Not “you’re amazing.” Something like: “I really appreciate how you stayed consistent with the kids even when it was very uncomfortable.” Why? Because respect fuels love and unity. And unity beats feelings every time. Do it today. No excuses.

Here we are midweek. Marriage is built on small wins. A touch. A compliment. A gentle kiss. Perhaps a small note stowed away to be found later. What have you done? If looking at your phone is your answer..... Put it down, and if your spouse is close, go sit with them. Be obnoxiously goofy about and raise a smile. Here we are midweek. What have you done?