forgiven

Bride in white lace wedding dress holding bouquet walking down flower-decorated aisle. — Image generated via AI.

June is coming up. A lot of weddings happen in that month. My first one did. It’s probably because it’s the beginning of summer, and the weather is typically nice. So, I raise the question, “What makes a good bride?”

A good bride isn’t defined by perfection or Pinterest boards—it’s about grace, humor, and heart. She’s the woman who remembers that marriage is a partnership, not a performance, and who knows that love matters more than linen colors. A good bride is kind, grounded, and self‑aware. She understands that the wedding is one day, but the marriage is a lifetime. According to relationship experts, qualities like empathy, communication, and teamwork are what truly strengthen a marriage. She’s also authentic. A good bride doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. She knows that vulnerability is not weakness, it’s the glue that keeps love real.

Modern marriage coaches emphasize that a good bride values independence and mutual respect. She’s not losing herself in the process of becoming “Mrs.” but rather expanding her identity to include partnership. She’s confident enough to make decisions yet humble enough to admit when she’s wrong. She also brings a growth mindset—understanding that marriage isn’t about finding someone perfect but about building something beautiful together. When challenges arise, she doesn’t panic; she pivots. She learns, adapts, and keeps choosing love even when it’s hard.

A good bride radiates joy and gratitude. She celebrates the people who helped her get there, the family, and the friends. She’s also thoughtful and understanding, paying attention to the small things that make others feel valued. Whether it’s thanking her vendors or comforting a nervous bridesmaid, she spreads calm in the chaos. A good bride isn’t measured by how flawless her dress looks or how perfectly timed her vows are. She’s measured by how she treats people, how she handles pressure, and how she loves. She’s the woman who can laugh through the rain, dance through the nerves, and say “I do” with a heart full of grace.

The above description is about the qualities that make a good bride. After someone accepts Jesus, they become “the bride of Christ.” One might ask, “Am I displaying the qualities that make me a good bride for Jesus?” Do others witness grace, love, humility, empathy, and good communication? Are you authentic?

I’m sure Jesus desires a bride who is worthy of wearing white. But the good news is this: even if you are not perfect yet, his forgiveness of your sins and wrongdoings can make you white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) When you are about to marry into the family of God, you should realize you are now representing the family. “Never go against the family!” Don Vito Corleone

Your name will change. And the name of the Lord is Holy. The Lord’s name is described as holy, and believers are called to honor it. For instance, 1 Peter 1:16 states, “You shall be holy.” Reflecting the expectation that followers of God should also strive for holiness in their lives.

So, keep in mind the family you are marrying into. Represent it well, and always show forth the love of God that the whole kingdom is built on.

The other day, while at a restaurant, I commented, to my wife how the beef and broccoli wasn’t as good as it normally is. She replied, “Well, maybe the cook is sick.” I laughed and thought she was just being silly. She’s often funny like that, but she went on to explain how that phrase was a real thing in the Philippines.

I was intrigued and thought about this. So what she was saying was. The food wasn’t at its best, because of sickness. Isn’t that like us at times, servants of God? When we allow sin into our life we are not at our best. We do things, small perhaps, but they allow sin into our lives, and sin, is sickness, which can, if ignored, lead to death, spiritual and even physical. We miss opportunities to speak of the love of God. To testify of his glory. We miss experiences with others that can lift someone up, or encourage them.

A “diet” is defined as: the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats, or a special course of food to which one restricts oneself, either to lose weight or for medical reasons.

It seems as if some people restrict God from their life, and boy, do they ever pay for it.

Those who live by their own rules, not God’s, can expect nothing but trouble,
    and the longer they live, the worse it gets.
Every little sound terrifies them.
    Just when they think they have it made, disaster strikes.
They despair of things ever getting better—
    they’re on the list of people for whom things always turn out for the worst.
They wander here and there,
    never knowing where the next meal is coming from—
    every day is doomsday!
They live in constant terror,
    always with their backs up against the wall
Because they insist on shaking their fists at God,
    defying God Almighty to his face,
Always and ever at odds with God,
    always on the defensive. Job 15:18-26 (MSG)

Even though they may look fine on the outside, things are not healthy on the inside, and just like your body, it will manifest.

As God can be restricted, so can sin, but it’s a choice. When we encounter an opportunity to sin we can call out to God to help, for when we are weak, He is strong, therefore we are strong. (2 Cor. 12:9)

Just as maintaining a healthy diet and saying, “No” to things we shouldn’t partake of helps us continue to be strong, we should maintain a healthy balanced diet built on God. A diet of prayer, reading God’s word, and taking action to serve God as he directs.

It would be a shame for someone to encounter us, and leave with a bad taste in their mouth, because we were not at our best. Remember this; as children of God, we are always reflections of our Heavenly Father. And people do watch us constantly, looking for a reason to not accept God. Their favorite excuse is this, “If they are a so called Christian, then that’s not for me, because I don’t want to be like them.” Yes, it’s true we are forgiven, but they do not understand such things yet, for they have not experienced that forgiveness for themselves. So be careful, every day. Stay healthy, and stay good.

Brady, Mark A.

Blogs connecting you to God, and other content from my mind.

The Heart of a Good Bride

The Cook Was Sick