A Christ Honoring Marriage
The thought of marriage conjures up vivid images from The Princess Bride, specifically the iconic wedding scene. The bishop, in a slurred voice, begins the ceremony. “Mawage. Mawage is what bwings us togethah today.” The memory brings a fresh wave of giggles; the sheer absurdity of it all still tickles me. Marriage is a profound commitment, requiring diligent work and unwavering dedication to build a lasting, faithful, and successful union.
My husband and I celebrated four decades of marriage last year by reminiscing over old photos and laughing at our youthfulness. The 40 years formed a tapestry of highs and lows, with our son’s death nearly tearing it apart. Our relationship thrived on the simple yet powerful act of never giving up on each other, a bond that weathered every storm. We made a sacred promise of eternal love, and through thick and thin, we fought tooth and nail to keep it.
Effective communication, marked by clear dialogue and active listening, is pivotal to our achievements. We even gave each other permission to say things like, “I love you always, but I don’t like you today,” during our sometimes-heated arguments. A strange comfort comes from honesty. We say “I love you” many times each day, sometimes shouting it, sometimes murmuring it, but always with heartfelt meaning. Before bed, we attempt to talk things through, smoothing out any wrinkles in our relationship. We pray for each other, discussing our shared faith and praising God together. As the world views marriage as disposable, our faith calls us to honor the sacred union God established.
Make it a point to fight for your marriage, lifting it up in daily prayer, seeking God’s strength and guidance. Faith builds a strong marriage, portraying the union as a reflection of Christ’s love for the church. This requires consistent forgiveness, open and respectful communication, mutual service, collaborative conflict resolution, and seeking wisdom from scripture and spiritual leaders. The scent of prayer and devotion fills the home, strengthening the bond.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Have you prayed for your spouse today? If not, why not?
2. Have you ever had to fight for your marriage? If so, what was your strategy to win your spouse back?
