Today I Married My Friend

The coming together of two people in love at their wedding ceremony is captivating. Memories replay as you remember a lovely couple who requested those they love to share in the witness of their marriage covenant. Ready for the day, they understood the weight of their decision, commitment, and shared path. They stand before God and ask that He enter their life’s center as a couple.

Love is such a fulfilling thing. Marriage and relationship, centered on Christ, embody lifelong devotion. We seek love from infancy to young adulthood, into adulthood, and at long last, our later years. We may wonder in our youth why they’re called the Golden Years. I imagine if we are lucky enough to reach this stage in life. We not only understand the title golden, but we bask in the warmth this well-earned entitlement brings.

Take a mild leap with me and let me note GOLDEN is an excellent word choice for this rite of passage. If we remove the letter L, then change one more letter, we can arrive at GOD- IN. How exceptional to have God in our years as a married couple! Now that is a golden concept.

They’re blessed by God. Couples who weather storms have significance. — The couple has experienced many milestones while turning to God as the glue to their union.

A centered couple is aware of how their love becomes second when they surrender their marriage to Christ. As with excellent cheese, a relationship can age to perfection or what we perceive as perfection. You know, aged sharp cheddar’s exquisite taste results from time. It might be bitter but the refinement cannot deny when one experiences this classic aged cuisine. You’ll sense the time and skill put into this product. They enhanced the worth with age. With each year of excellence, receiving the stamp of vintage. Meaning the act of time with a known length of existence is one way of describing a Christ-centered marriage.

Couples might not comprehend living with our Heavenly Father. Yet, He always presents. Anyone coming together in love has this choice. Seeking Him first allows for a solid foundation on which you will grow and mature in His word. Choosing a Christ-centered marriage leads couples into communion with Him. A couple coming together in God’s love exemplifies the Bridegroom, Christ, and His Bride, His Church. They live a faithfulness they blessed to Christ and to be a living example of His Love. Together they await His second coming, where the bridegroom and His Bride will have the official Wedding Ceremony, and the promise of eternal life will be complete.

There is much thought and a meaningful period of patience, compromise, attention, and thought toward the enthusiasm within the development of marriage. Well folks, this idea is not futile.

Placing Christ at the center of any relationship is crucial. To believe that although we become one flesh, this makes us navigate mistakes. We must recognize our meat is still fresh. So, to have a companion in reverence and adherence to what it means to place Christ at our center, we have lifelong accountability.

Sadly, we neglect those closest to us. After a period, the connection may be at risk of placing ourselves in higher regard than our bride or groom. This helps us remember to seek guidance in His Word. The bible has such wonderful examples of counsel for marriage and relationships.

Fruits of the Spirit, nine total, glowing example counsel. Focus on the fruits of the Spirit, and relationships will heal. If one explores these words, they can remember to use them. The last may be the most important. Self Control to think and go to God before we act.

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Long-suffering

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self-control

When God chooses for us that life partner, the one we will marry and call a lifetime friend and teammate. We must recognize the beginning of a journey. When you choose to have a Christ-centered marriage, this gives you a free ride. A roller coaster ride, where difficulties will continue. High peaks and low valleys await, but the trials will be worth it if you stay enthused towards the finish.

In a Christ-centered union, you choose to be armed together, to protect from the storms, and defend against attacks with a shield of confidence and strength. You realize you have the armor of God in front of you, and your hope is in Him. Mindful of seeking Him first, you go together, always covenant for His glory.

In the beginning, God created them, male and female. So, let no man separate what God has joined.

Romans 12: 9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is right. Devotion to brotherly love — honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with those in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Not proud, but be willing to associate with people of moderate position. Avoid being conceited.

Refrain from returning evil for evil. Be careful, do right, live peacefully with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath: “mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Don’t give in to evil, defeat it with good.