I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
Remember these? Yes, your vows. For those married, have you lived out the words spoken to your spouse ___ years/months ago? For those engaged, will you live out the words prepared for your wedding day? For those single, remember these words as you look for Mr./Mrs. right.
A vow is a solemn promise, pledge or personal commitment. Solemn indicates the seriousness in the words spoken concerning what will be completed. Completed, as in total, entire, not lacking, not a detail left undone!
Can you look in the eyes of your significant other today and be fully confident in fulfillment of this promise made? Are you taking each day and living out the entire vows spoken in solemn manner in front of loved ones and most importantly, God? If not, how can you change to do so?
As married/dating/single persons, we must live up to the words coming from our mouth. Actions must reflect our heart and speech. Honoring what is promised displays the greatest love.
In the example vows above, statements confirm the promise to remain a constant friend, faithful partner and to love as long as both shall live. Examples of times when faith will be at its strongest include rich and poor, sickness and health, better and worse or joy and sorrow. Let me elaborate a bit on some of these and give my spin on a deeper meaning to the vows.
Constant friends do not leave the other at home waiting up, wondering of the location of the other and if the other will return this evening. A faithful partner avoids "happy hour" with co-workers, drinking at a local bar to watch the big game without the other, shopping all day maxing out credit cards without confirming with the other, leaving your wedding ring at home while heading to the office or out with friends, looking twice at another of opposite sex, etc. Rich includes getting a better position which may require a bit more of time; poor includes eating Ramen Noodles for the fifth time that week and thanking your spouse for the well-cooked meal. Sickness, from headache to cancer and health, taking the time to maintain and encourage one another in good nutrition. Better, when all things go smoothly (RARE OCCASION) and worse, when all you can do is cry.
Every second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year you now dedicate to your spouse. Place God at the center to understand how to be the constant friend and faithful partner agreed upon that day. He will guide you and bring a bond unexplainable. Be patient with one another, bear each burden together and grow closer in trials, not apart. Avoid the wedge that the devil loves to place between married couples. Love one another as God loves you. Yes, even the forgive and forget part. God so loved us that He sent His only Son to die for our sins. He washed away all sin and forgives us. Can't you forgive your spouse for leaving the toilet seat up, burning supper, forgetting an anniversary or adding character to the vehicle by brushing against that pole in the parking garage?
Love your spouse today. Avoid tempting situations. Keep your focus on the ring worn on your left hand. A ring is circular, never-ending and filled with a promise. Let go of past mistakes, enjoy your present and remain strong in the future. We are not perfect and will disappoint one another numerous times, but remember God is present and will see you through everything. Cling to Him and follow His Truth. He brought the two of you together for a reason, to be a team for Him while loving one another. Live up to your words through your actions! How? Refer to 1 Corinthians 13:3-20.
God, thank you for this day. Thank You for my husband. I cannot express in words the appreciation I have for the man placed in my life to be my teammate. He is amazing and I know that You bless us and guide us each day to bond closer. Thank You. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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