It takes three lovely things to validate marriage – in agreement, the woman says, “I will”, the man says, “I will’, and the officiating minister or priest says, “I pronounce you as husband and wife.”  And voila, marriage is done in the presence of parents or guardians and other witnesses.  The marital ceremony may seem simple, but it takes a vow or a promise to keep the two glued together as one flesh “for better or for worse.”

As February traditionally highlights love as the essence of a valued relationship, let’s take a brief moment to ponder on the things that would sustain and protect the vow made by lovers on their special wedding day.  There is nothing extraordinary about these things as  nothing is new under the sun, only that if we would just humbly heed them, they work wonders and benefit us, although not exhaustive in scope:

First and foremost in line is spending time together (not in arguments!) going through how life has been each day.  Some would define love as something that could be equated to ‘time’ – especially time to talk and to listen.  Sharing one’s burden is indeed refreshing.

Respect one another, like when you first impressed each other to win precious affection.  Life is a mix of joys and sorrows, victories and trials, and relations are put to a test, which should not overrule the exercise of forgiving one another in times needful.

Appreciation such as kindness in word and in deed goes a long way.  It is worth noting that kind words give life and inspiration while hurting pierces even the best of relationship.

Communication that involves transparency counts worth to be included.  Pouring out what’s in the heart and mind saying it off with gentleness and love reinforces a relationship.

Pray together remembering that God is at the center of your relationship.  Psalm 127:1-2 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—
for while they sleep he provides for those he loves” (Holy Bible, NIV).

Moreover, marriage in the original design of God is meant to be enjoyed and should give glorious honor to God who ordained it in the beginning of time.  The avowed expression, “Till death do us part” no matter what happens signifies integrity.  This is the reason why the true foundation in marriage is mutual love. Furthermore, the Scripture says, “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:9), and this means no relatives, lustful eyes and flirting with others, busybodies, or even sickness can separate what the Lord has binded as one.

Finally, remember that both husband and wife vowed “to love and to cherish”.  The word cherish means “precious and valuable”.  To cherish, therefore, means to treat one another as the most valuable possession in life.  Husbands, remember, “her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).