Promises That Last Forever: As Long As We Both Shall Live

A marriage vow is made on a foundation of covenantal love. An unchanging, unbreaking, unconditional promise to remain faithful. “In plenty and in want.” “In joy and in sorrow.” “In sickness and in health.” The final part of traditional, covenant vows is this: “As long as we both shall live.” Jesus’s covenant vow with us is forever. Nothing can separate us from his covenant love (Romans 8:38-39). A Christian marriage love should carry this same DNA. An unconditional love that defies emotions and circumstances. It is a forever kind of love that allows kids to feel secure in a home with a mom and a dad who are committed to one another. It is what allows a love to grow deep beyond words, where two very different people, a man and a woman, become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) – a verse Jesus himself quoted in Matthew 19:4-6 when defining God’s original intent for marriage. It allows collective memories to build up over a lifetime, memories that ignite laughter and joy over the years. It creates a foundation for memories shared with kids and grandkids, memories that sadly and suddenly vanish when divorce occurs. If divorce was a part of your story, I pray Jesus will minister to your heart and heal the wounds you have experienced. And still allow many happy memories to be embedded in your soul. If you’re married, restate your vows! Regularly. To yourself and with your spouse. I know a couple that does it annually with their kids present to say to them, “Don’t worry, mom and dad aren’t going anywhere. We are committed to staying together forever.” Marriages that take these vows seriously make stronger families. Stronger nations. And a stronger reflection of the kingdom of God!