Couples need to choose love that is faithful and rooted in Divine mystery.
Covenant is God’s language of love. It is a promise — that two shall become one.
It is a choice. A binding of two hearts. Choosing one another. Committing to each other. Sealed. Sealed in covenant with the Almighty.
Covenants are sacred. To be witnessed. To be withheld. To bless. To enrich. To become something greater than oneself.
Marriage is a covenant —a holy pattern. Two lives. Two hearts. Two souls stepping into a promise far greater and far deeper than anything else on earth.
Covenant is an invitation to walk with God: to love with compassion, to honor with tenderness, to respect with kindness, to walk together in unity.
I will be your God, and you will be my people.
Leviticus 26:12
Image Credit: “All For One” by jeff golden is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Love is more than emotion. It is a promise. It is a choice. It is a covenant.
Scripture shows us that God’s love is agape love — selfless, unconditional, transcendent. It stretches beyond time and space. It is Divine.
When we look at love through the eyes of the Divine, we see it as: A gift to be given. A tool for healing. A way of lifting the world.
It is love extended without expectation, love offered simply because it is who we are called to be.
A covenant is a promise — a sacred vow with God at the center. People. Nations. Relationships.
Religion can weigh a person down. Rules. Doctrine. Confusion.
A relationship with the Divine is different. It’s a covenant. It’s a promise. It’s a daily walk. With God.
It’s trying to see life through His eyes. His lens. His perfection.
We begin this series with covenant. Then we will turn to rings—those beautiful, round circles that have no end, reminding us that love, at its truest, is meant to endure.
As we continue this journey, may these reflections prepare your heart for the sacredness of a vow— a person, a promise, a love that lasts.
“Unity candle” by Just Taken Pics is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
I heard on the radio today that February 7-14 is National Marriage Week.
First, let’s give a shout-out to married folks! Hip, hip, hooray!
Another cheer for those who hope to marry someday! Hip, hip, hooray!
MARRIAGE
This week, we celebrate marriage. The timeless institution is a beacon of love, commitment, and companionship. Marriage is more than a legal contract or societal norm. It’s a sacred bond forged in sharing experiences, trials, and triumphs.
Marriage is a journey of…
Growth.
Compromise.
Unconditional Love.
THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE
It enriches the lives of both partners and communicates in the language of love. Love is the shared moments that speak volumes without a single word spoken.
The giggles.
The gestures.
The glances.
The long embrace.
The cuddles.
The dancing in the kitchen.
It is the “I have your back” confidence. The confidence that when it gets tough and life throws a curveball, there is someone to lean on.
RECENT RESEARCH
Marriage plays a significant role in determining a person’s overall happiness throughout their lifetime.
Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology, University of Virginia
Brad Cox’s research offers valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of marital bliss. His studies delve into the factors contributing to long-lasting happiness within relationships, highlighting:
Mutual Respect.
Communication.
Emotional Intimacy.
FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE ANOTHER PATH
Worth and happiness are not defined by marital status. Clearly, marriage makes sense to some and not to others. Each person’s journey is unique. Marriage may not be the right choice for everyone. Therefore, we must respect and honor the diversity of human relationships in all shapes and sizes.
CONCLUSION – LOVE IS LOVE
There is no doubt that love permeates through the air in February. Everywhere you go, you see hearts. Today, I saw raspberries in a clear plastic heart-shaped container at Target.
This week is the perfect opportunity to cherish the love you have in your life. Embrace love. Show affection. We all love someone. A parent. A child. A spouse. A friend. Go ahead and celebrate love this week with a simple gesture. Remember that love unites us together in the fabric of life. And the sacrament of marriage binds us to God and our partner for all the days of our lives.
I and Thou Reflections 