Have you ever seen couples who’ve been married for years and look like each other? Even if they’re not from the same ethnic group? I believe that it’s familiarity and the mirror effect, they’ve ‘rubbed off’ on each other. I used to marvel about it, but Today’s Holy Nougat suggests that it is to be expected when a long-standing relationship is going as it should be. What do you think?
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV
[18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Relationship Goals
Sometimes, it’s not physical features that become similar. We may note that it is their mannerisms – how they do things or respond to particular situations – that change. Some finish each others sentences, or they are amongst us and have a complete conversation without saying a word out loud. It doesn’t only happen with couples, it can also occur with close friends or siblings. Usually, the common factor we find in such relationships is a close bond born of years of friendship, common trauma or experience.
Self-Check
Do we have such bonds with our siblings, friends, or spouses? Can any of us determine when that shift occurred? How do we feel about it? Is that a relationship goal?
Deeper Dive
This mirroring isn’t about copycats – I’m not referring to a group of friends creating a trend or following one just because. I’m referring to common subconscious adapted mannerisms born of long-term familiarity that become a unique rhythm between two or more persons. There have been studies on this. Scientists today speak of mirror neurons and genetic adaptation in this field of research.
Before all that scientific logic came into play, we had a theology rooted in Creation. God created us as God’s image-bearers. It all changed when our choice to be different distorted that likeness.
When we intentionally experience and embrace God’s glory, revealed through God’s Spirit, we begin once again to look more like Y’shua. It may very well be our mirror neurons doing what they ought, or the ‘chameleon effect’ out in full force. But as His bride, anticipating the consummation of our union after a lengthy earthly courtship, I believe that we’ve begun to look a lot like our Forever Groom.
It may have begun with the desire to please our Husband, Y’shua. That’s fine if the fear that motivates us is a holy fear – faith and awe responding with mirroring His love for others. As time progresses and we begin to appreciate all that our Eternal First Love has done for us; as we grow to love Him more and more – His mannerisms become naturalised. We begin to see Him reflected in our habits, because we’re reflecting His love back to Him. And that’s what the world sees.
If God’s mirror is placed before us right now, will others describe us as looking more and more like our Eternal Lover or do we look the same? Who do people see beyond the veil?
Points to Ponder
What are our relationship goals in respect of Christ? How much do we already look like Him? Is there any particular trait we really wish to mirror to the world?
Let’s talk with Him about all this today.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
