Kimberly Hahn - Chosen and Cherished: Biblical Wisdom for Your Marriage

INTRODUCTION

For fifty years my parents have modeled Christian marriage and family life. They have prayed, studied the Scriptures and applied the lived wisdom offered by those who were ahead of them in the process. In turn they have mentored us: They have shared what they have learned and pointed us in the direction of resources that would encourage us and give us wisdom for particular situations. Mom and Dad have known the deep joy of being chosen and cherished, and their prayer has been that each of their children know that as well, both from the Lord and from their spouses.

Chosen and Cherished is the first in a series of Bible studies on the vocation of marriage entitled Life-Nurturing Love . For nearly two decades I have shared these studies with Franciscan University studentsmarried and not yet marriedin my home. Based on Proverbs 31 as a kind of table of contents, we range through Scripture and Church teaching for practical applications to the vocation of marriage as well as spiritual applications in our relationship to the Beloved, Jesus.

We begin with the Lord because he alone, the Bridegroom of our souls, can fulfill the deepest longing of our hearts. He has chosen us, and he cherishes us. From that beginning point the Lord invites us to embrace a particular spouse who will be a channel of grace for ussomeone who, in imitation of the Lord, chooses us and cherishes us each day.

A marriage built on the foundation of faith is the core relationship of the family. From this relationship we draw strength; from our committed love our children draw strength. Though the demands on our time and energy may be focused on our children, we need to nurture our relationship with our spouse continually, so that our love is ever deepening and enduring.

Spouses and children do not come with manuals, and the learning curve can be very steep, especially for those who did not experience Christian marriage and family life growing up. Still, the Lord has an abundance of grace for each of us. His desire is our own: that we be chosen and cherished by our spouses for a lifetime. This Bible study provides biblical wisdom to help us grow in this direction.

Chosen and Cherished is a Bible study presented on DVD and in this book. Either resource stands alone as a study, though the two will be more meaningful when used together. In the back of this book, I have included outlines for the DVD presentations and sets of questions for discussion. Consider reading the entire selection in Proverbs 31 each day, so that you keep the individual verse you are studying in the context of the whole passage.

My hopes are that this study will further the sharing of lived wisdom among generations of women, provide a context in which married couples can better understand some principles of Christian marriage and family life, and enable engaged couples to explore their hopes and dreams for a fulfilling marriage before they are in the thick of it.

Lets pray for each other and encourage each other, remembering the words of Saint Paul, I can do all things in him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Kimberly Kirk Hahn