A Wedding Devotional

Romans 12:9-18
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in 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 in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
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The scripture passages you’ve selected are so fitting for the two of you, and for this occasion. Here are some things to consider as you begin your lives together.

First, for a Christian marriage to succeed, there must be sincere love. This means a love that is free of deceit, hypocrisy or falseness. It is an earnest, genuine, pure love that must be the foundation of any lasting relationship. True love always thinks of the other first. In another passage Paul admonishes followers of Christ to speak the truth in love, and thereby enable one another to grow and prosper.

This passage also stresses the importance of heartfelt devotion. This, I believe, means both devotion to Christ as Lord of your lives as well as devotion to one another. It’s noteworthy that you’re in the habit of worshipping and growing together in your lives of devotion to Christ. Be assured that the Lord will honor your fervent devotion and bless the two of you as you seek Him daily.

Finally, the Romans passage instructs you to live in harmony with each other. Understand that the two of you are different. As one book title suggests, you’re from Mars and you’re from Venus. And your different personalities and interests are healthy. Celebrate your differences and appreciate that about each other. Build your lives on your common faith and interests, but allow room for each other to express your God-given uniqueness. This leads to a healthy, growing relationship between the two of you.

The other passage you selected is from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
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As you devote your lives to one another and live in the sincere harmony to which Christ has called you, he will work in your midst to create a resilience that can’t come from human strength or effort alone. The Lord will give you everything you need and will enable you to always be there for one another. He will enable you to stand together and face whatever comes your way.


And we who know you and love you will pray for you as we look forward to how the Lord works in your lives from this day forward.