The Crisis of Marriage
Sermon
Together Till Death Us Do Part
(Name) and (name), I rejoice with you today, and I know your families are pleased, too - glad that you are making this leap of faith into marriage. Life has not been easy on either of you, but you have come today to publicly make a statement of hope and optimism because of your mutual love. It's exciting, not only for you, but for us all.
This event is going to create some jarring changes in your lives, and you will experience more than a little stress. You might even call it a crisis. Now I know we usually associate the word crisis with something negative, but that's not necessarily the case. Any event which creates tension, for good or bad, is called a crisis.
In the past you have both experienced some tragic crises, and you carry scars because of them. Those scars, however, are signs of victory. Although they remind you sadly of your pain, they have healed over to signal you have won. You cannot deny those painful and sometimes nostalgic memories, yet you now courageously step forward, willing to commit yourselves in love, in spite of it all.
You, of all people, know that life is not a walk down some glib and giddy path. It is filled with work and worry, happiness and heartache, loveliness and loneliness. Yet today you cast your lot to walk that path together. You will face your sorrows and your joys - together. You will meet the successes of life, along with its frustrations and failures - together. It's a beautiful word: together. It means you no longer need to be alone. In all the circumstances of life you will have each other and your loved ones, with their support and encouragement. Today may be a crisis, a life-changing event, but not in a negative way at all. It can be an opportunity for a wonderful adventure.
Furthermore, you share the blessings of God. As you worship together, pray together, and share your faith and affection, God works to make your lives more beautiful, enabling your love to grow deeper, stronger, and more sturdy. Giving God a primary place in your marriage can only serve to make you more secure, for you will be embraced by his everlasting arms and his grace will be sufficient for all your needs.
It's true. Consider the picture Paul used in the passage you selected from Colossians: "... let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:15 The word rule is a verb used in athletics, and describes the activity of the umpire or referee; he settles things. Paul is saying that we are to let God's peace decide things in our lives, or, literally, "Let the peace of Christ be the referee in your marriage." Since Christ loves you both so deeply, you can be sure his peace will move you in the way of understanding, love, and harmony. It is a wonderful thing to have God on your side, enriching your relationship!
So, ________ and ________, you are now committing yourselves to each other "to become one, sharing God's love." As family and friends, who love you and care for you, we pray that God will supply you with all you need as you face this glorious crisis called marriage. May our Lord bless you and bring fulfillment to you, through each other, for the rest of your lives.
Amen
This event is going to create some jarring changes in your lives, and you will experience more than a little stress. You might even call it a crisis. Now I know we usually associate the word crisis with something negative, but that's not necessarily the case. Any event which creates tension, for good or bad, is called a crisis.
In the past you have both experienced some tragic crises, and you carry scars because of them. Those scars, however, are signs of victory. Although they remind you sadly of your pain, they have healed over to signal you have won. You cannot deny those painful and sometimes nostalgic memories, yet you now courageously step forward, willing to commit yourselves in love, in spite of it all.
You, of all people, know that life is not a walk down some glib and giddy path. It is filled with work and worry, happiness and heartache, loveliness and loneliness. Yet today you cast your lot to walk that path together. You will face your sorrows and your joys - together. You will meet the successes of life, along with its frustrations and failures - together. It's a beautiful word: together. It means you no longer need to be alone. In all the circumstances of life you will have each other and your loved ones, with their support and encouragement. Today may be a crisis, a life-changing event, but not in a negative way at all. It can be an opportunity for a wonderful adventure.
Furthermore, you share the blessings of God. As you worship together, pray together, and share your faith and affection, God works to make your lives more beautiful, enabling your love to grow deeper, stronger, and more sturdy. Giving God a primary place in your marriage can only serve to make you more secure, for you will be embraced by his everlasting arms and his grace will be sufficient for all your needs.
It's true. Consider the picture Paul used in the passage you selected from Colossians: "... let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:15 The word rule is a verb used in athletics, and describes the activity of the umpire or referee; he settles things. Paul is saying that we are to let God's peace decide things in our lives, or, literally, "Let the peace of Christ be the referee in your marriage." Since Christ loves you both so deeply, you can be sure his peace will move you in the way of understanding, love, and harmony. It is a wonderful thing to have God on your side, enriching your relationship!
So, ________ and ________, you are now committing yourselves to each other "to become one, sharing God's love." As family and friends, who love you and care for you, we pray that God will supply you with all you need as you face this glorious crisis called marriage. May our Lord bless you and bring fulfillment to you, through each other, for the rest of your lives.
Amen
