I have the honor, joy, and privilege of conducting a wedding tonight. Over the years I’ve done many weddings, all of which were a joy. Some turned out a little unexpected… Like the one that played the Theme to Star Wars for the recessional! (It was a surprise to me!!). I have done a wedding in my office, on the banks of the Alabama River, in a private home, and in a worship center with only one witness. Most all of the services are basically the same with a few changes here and there regarding Scripture and order.
But this wedding will include a section I’ve never done before. I guess as I get older, I get more honest and bold. Anyway, here it is (The new part is in bold)…
The Love that your are to have for each other is the kind found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8…
Love is patient; Love is kind & envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over other men’s sins, but delights in the truth. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance. Love will never come to an end.
Here is another way to think of 1 Cor 13:4-8, you are saying: “I love you & nothing can or will ever change that. We will not flirt, lust after, or desire the attention another person. We will give ourselves 100% to Jesus & each other. We will make the Gospel the foundation of our marriage. Our happiness is from God & we will share it w/ each other. We will be always honest & truthful w/ each other. We will never to say ‘I’m sorry’ unless we mean it. We will encourage & help each other become the person God calls us to be. We will never complain about our marriage or each other to anyone. We will protect intrusion to our marriage from in-laws, kids, or friends… God is first, you are second, family is third. Last, We will surround our marriage w/ Christians who will encourage & support us in these things. (Amen!)
Marriage vows are made first to God, THEN to each other. My hope and desire is that the couple will hopefully hear and remember the seriousness of what they will say during this worship service.