Preparing for Vows: A Plan for Engaged CouplesSample

For better, for worse, for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part.

“For better or worse” and “till death do us part.” These vows speak to lifelong commitment. They embody what you are truly vowing: a lifelong covenant to be husband and wife until you die.

Romans 12:9-16 give a beautiful picture of what it looks like to live in community through life’s highs and lows. It tells us to mourn with those who mourn and to rejoice with those who rejoice. We aren’t meant to cancel our friends when life gets tough and we certainly aren’t meant to cancel our spouse when difficulties come our way.

It’s clear throughout Scripture that God wants us to live in harmony with one another through all of life’s highs and lows. It’s also clear that He intends that our promise to stay married is not to be taken lightly.

Anyone can stay in a relationship when circumstances are great. But can you love when tragedy hits? Can you persevere when a financial crisis invades your life? Can you love your spouse when they are depressed and can’t love you back? Can you endure if you have to care for your spouse when they are deathly ill?

You can be sure that the “for worse” parts of life will come. No matter who you are or who you are marrying, trouble will come your way. Jesus quite literally promises that will happen in John 16:33.

I don’t say that to scare you; I say that to prepare you. Wrap your mind around the fact that you and your spouse will walk through trouble. Prepare your mind and soul for it. Make sure that when you think of your vows, you know what you’re committing to.

Knowing what you’re signing up for will help prepare you for the path ahead.

Pray and ask God to help you love your future spouse for better or worse. Ask for His help in enduring through the trouble that will come your way.

Challenge: What does your spouse need when times are “worse?” How do they like to be supported? If you don’t know, ask! Today talk with your future spouse about how they feel supported when times are hard.