“I Will Celebrate My Marriage With No Apologies” – Carl Lentz
Former Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz recently shared heartfelt photos of himself and his wife, Laura, on vacation, accompanied by a candid reflection on their marriage journey. Lentz emphasized that their marriage is a testament to God’s grace and redemptive power, highlighting the unique path their relationship has taken. He acknowledged that redemption in such situations varies, and sometimes, it means leaving a toxic marriage to maintain health and well-being.
Lentz shared a profound insight on the potential danger of idolizing marriage, stressing that individuals who make the difficult decision to leave a harmful relationship should not feel like failures. He praised Laura as a hero, not merely for staying with him but for prioritizing her health and spiritual journey, which ultimately included their marriage. For them, the ultimate goal is to live healthy lives, with a healthy marriage being a natural byproduct.
He conveyed his deep appreciation for marriage while clarifying that Jesus did not die for the institution of marriage, but for people. Lentz challenged cultural norms that often place the preservation of marriage above the well-being of individuals within it.
Encouraging those who have faced betrayal and heartbreak, Lentz affirmed that they are not “less than” if their journey did not include a happy ending. He promised that more beautiful moments lie ahead with safe and healthy relationships, reminding them that their value is not diminished by others’ opinions.