In 2003, Sheryl Crow covered the old Cat Stevens song “The First Cut Is the Deepest.” In this song, she bemoans her first love, who wounded her so deeply that she now struggles to feel anything. She wants to love again, but because her heart is broken she doesn’t know if she ever can.
The songwriter’s first love has moved on, inflicting the “first cut”—the anguish of a once-intimate relationship now ripped apart. It’s difficult to say which is more painful: an outright split, or the dutiful drudgery of existence found in a loveless relationship. God’s plan avoids these lesser alternatives. He calls a man and a woman to join together in a permanent, fulfilling union that is filled with spiritual significance.
Our inherent yearning for a lifelong soul mate is rooted in the way we were created. Genesis 2 tells us that the woman was literally created from the man’s rib—from him. “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one” (v.24). In light of this, a broken marital relationship isn’t a cut; it’s more like an amputation!
More than that, marriage is a picture of Christ’s relationship with the church. We’re all wired for relationship with God. The apostle Paul elaborates on Genesis 2:24 by writing, “This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one” (Ephesians 5:32).
“First Cut” concludes, “I’m sure gonna give you a try.” It’s hopeful, but there’s a hint of desperation too. When we commit our lives to Jesus, it’s not a relational experiment. We will find that He is enough. We can even find healing for the deep cuts of relationships gone bad.
More:
You don’t love Me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to Me (Revelation 2:4-5).
Next:
Are you seeking your fulfillment in a member of the opposite sex? How do you view him or her? As a brother or sister in Christ? Why is it vital for Jesus to be your first love
coachloyd09 on November 14, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I can relate to this. I recently had my heart broken. I know that God will heal me. I read psalm 37 everyday and its an eye opener. Thanks for the First Cut!
Angela on November 17, 2009 at 4:01 am
it was comforting to read your article and having the experience of a first cut…in marriage..I am still waiting for a 2nd chance and i want to be guided by God.
So its good to go back to waht God ordained..it is alos great to know that my yearning is not insane….
Esche on March 15, 2010 at 12:37 am
I am thankful. As I was reading, I felt renew..I’ve had my first cut, and i sure didn’t like it…but now when i look back at it, its something that i learn from. And at this point, I am not even sure if I will ever get a second chance…
My quest here is: is remarriage acceptable in applying to our doctrine of faith, since we know that “the two become one and let no man separate”?