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. They prepared for this day, knowing the importance of their decision to live a life of a commitment to continue their walk hand in hand. They stand before God and ask that He enter their life's center as a couple.

Love is such a beautiful thing. Choosing a marriage or relationship with Christ at the center is the embodiment of the desire for lifelong devotion. We seek love from infancy to young adulthood, into adulthood, and at long last, our golden 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 would readily bask in the warmth this well-earned entitlement would bring.

Perhaps you will 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 beautiful to have God in all of our years as a married couple. Not that would be golden.

We all can look up to them as they are golden with God in their years. There is significance to a couple that has come through storms. — The couple has experienced many milestones while turning to God as the glue to their union.

A centered couple is keenly aware of how beautiful their love becomes when they surrender their marriage to Christ. As with excellent cheese, a relationship can age to perfection or what we perceive as perfection. If you have sampled beautifully aged sharp cheddar, you know it is a taste to gain. To some, it may seem bitter; to others, it is something to be savored. Ultimately, the refinement cannot deny when one experiences this classic naturally aged cuisine. At the first sampling, you are painfully aware of the time and skill that went into producing such a product. They enhanced its worth with age. With each year of excellence, some receive the stamp of vintage. Meaning the act of time with a known length of existence is one way of describing a Christ-centered marriage.

Many couples may not be fully aware of this inner desire to have a life guided by our Heavenly Father, yet He is ever-present. Anyone coming together in love has this option. When we seek Him first, this allows for a solid foundation in which you will grow and mature in His word. When a couple chooses this Christ-centered marriage, they enter communion with Him. When a couple comes together in God’s love, they are an example of 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.

That there is not a weighty and meaningful period of patience and compromise, attention, and compelling thought toward the enthusiasm and development of marriage, well, folks, this idea would be futile.

Posing Christ at the center of any relationship is the most critical place to start. To believe that although we become one flesh, this would also make us flawless is a severe mistake. We must recognize our meat is still fresh. When we have a companion in reverence and adherence to what it means to place Christ at our center, we have lifelong accountability.

Sadly, we take advantage of the one who is by our side; this is not typically an intentional cause but one of complacency. After some time, the connection may be at risk of placing ourselves in higher regard than our bride or groom. This ego is when, as a couple, we remind each other to go to His Word and seek guidance. The bible has such beautiful examples of counsel for marriage and relationships.

The fruits of the Spirit are just one glowing example of such counsel: There are nine in all. If we live a life with these fruits in mind, or at least periodically review the fruits of the Spirit, then quick healing of a relationship can occur. If one explores these words individually, they can remember to use them readily. The last may be the most important. Self Control to think and go to God before we act. What a concept!

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 also recognize this is the beginning of a journey. When you choose to have a Christ-centered marriage, this gives you a free ride. You are going for a beautiful ride on a roller coaster, as difficulties will continue to come your way. Each peak will be a high and each valley a low, but all will be worth it if you remain enthused toward the finish line.

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. Together, you are mindful of seeking Him first, for this is the way you should go, always together in a covenant for His glory.

Mark 10:6-9

"But at the beginning of creation, God 'made them male and female.'' For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined, let man not separate."

Romans 12: 9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is right. Be devoted to brotherly love — honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are 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. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right and live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath: "It is 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."

Do not sway by evil, but overcome evil with good.