Marriage Commitment

May 30, 2013 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

Reports show that June is the most popular month for weddings. As we enter into the month of June, once again let’s talk more than just weddings. Let’s look at the marriage. I am privileged to perform wedding ceremonies. I enjoy the process of the pre-marital counseling; getting to know the couple better, invest in their lives and the commitment of their lives together as a married couple. We discuss a variety of topics in preparation for the marriage. The wedding is such a wonderful day and celebration but it’s only the beginning of the marriage. The day is important, specifically in the vows that are about to be spoken and made, the lifelong commitment — the covenant of the marriage relationship. Here are some things I like to share with the couple on that special day. These also apply to all of us who desire to someday be married, as well as, remind those of us who may have made those vows years ago. I trust these words will challenge you, inspire you to renew your commitment to one another, and live out those wedding vows. How is your marriage? How are you doing in your commitment to one another in love, honor, respect and cherish? Are you living out the vows you made to be the best you can be for your spouse?

4 specific areas to note in Marriage;

I) Unselfish Consecration/Mutual Caring for one another.

Webster defines consecration, “To devote or dedicate, to give of yourself completely to the other.” The most precious and beautiful gift a husband or wife can give to their spouse is themselves. Ephesians 5:22-23 says to “Submit to one another. Love your wife as Christ loved the church…willing to die for her.” May your intentions always place your spouse above yourself. This is what is clearly meant when we discuss the sacredness of the Marriage Covenant!

II) Singular Commitment

Matthew 19:5-6 says, “’For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

This is a commitment that will stand through all. To jump in with both feet… Your love vows are a commitment to each other for the rest of your lives. Society says take care of #1, but Christ commands us to look out for each other. Often we look for Mr./Miss Right. Today you must become Mr./Mrs. Right for each other.

III) Open Communication

James 1:19 says, “…quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Always keep communication open. Share special ways of communicating that are shared by only you. A look, a nickname, a glance, or a wink that simply says, “I love you.”

IV) Purposeful Celebration.

Look for those ways to celebrate one another, to encourage each other, and to love on one another as acts of being thankful for and rejoicing with each other. Celebrate the victories and accomplishments of each other as you find those moments to simply celebrate each other and the wonderful marriage you have!

With all of this remember Colossians 3:12-14, “…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

~Jim