To Honor and Cherish - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - October 24

To Honor and Cherish

By: Alicia Searl

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

A few weekends ago, my husband and I attended a rather elegant, yet surprisingly humble wedding. Of course, I had no idea what to wear and felt a little out of place in my simple black and white flowery dress, especially when I saw other women donning fancy hats and dazzling dresses.

I think my husband could sense my insecurities, because he gently took my hand and flashed a smile my way before we walked through the parking lot up to this massive church. Once inside, we were greeted by a chalkboard sign that read, “Pick a seat, not a side, as you are loved by both groom and bride.” I thought that sentiment was so sweet that I told my husband we should sit on each side of the aisle, especially since the groom was his friend and the bride was mine.

As we glanced at one another and giggled a bit, it was finally time for the bride to make her debut. Based on the lavish décor and plethora of flowers, I just knew she was going to walk out looking like a royal queen. I know my friend and have always admired her impeccable taste and fashion sense, but I also knew because this girl does nothing without a bit of fanfare. Yet, when those church doors opened, I was a bit shocked to see her standing there, wearing a dainty and modest dress with whispers of lace and her long dark hair hanging delicately over her shoulders. She was simply gorgeous, an absolute vision! However, it wasn’t so much her simple, elegant appearance that surprised me, but it was more about the way in which she carried herself, full of confidence, walking towards her future husband.

Honestly, I love weddings! I love to sit in a place where I can get the best visual of their faces, too. This is why I tend to sit on the inside aisle if at all possible. Then, when it’s time for the bride to make her appearance, I usually take a glance at her, then quickly turn my head to watch the groom’s reaction upon seeing his future wife, clothed in love, walking towards him. It’s such a precious moment.

God truly gives us such a beautiful gift in marriage. Yet, the wedding and all the beauty it brings merely marks the beginning. While our culture tends to focus on a “day,” our God would rather us set our eyes on the future and the investment of a lifetime.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12-14 that we must choose to clothe ourselves in love. That means we must make a conscious effort to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. That includes bearing one another’s burdens and making room for grace and forgiveness.

Honestly, that is so much easier said than done and there is something to be said for the couples that bear all things and keep true to their wedding vows years and even decades later. In my own marriage, I can attest that this rich and beautiful love happens when we strive to honor and cherish each other.

We see how this plays out in Ephesians 25-33. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ did the church, striving to protect her at all costs. Wives, on the other hand, are called to respect their husband’s leadership. So, when a husband leads well and protects his wife, he is essentially making her feel cherished, a valuable treasure. When a wife respects her husband and comes alongside him as his teammate, he feels empowered and emboldened to be the man God is calling him to be.

If your marriage is lacking a little love, go back to the very beginning and remember how you felt when you first laid eyes on your beloved darling. Your wedding day is only a starting point, but let it be a sweet reminder of the vows you made to honor and cherish the gift God gave you in your spouse.

Let’s Pray:

Father God, we are so grateful that You give us such a beautiful plan and purpose for our marriage. Please allow us to walk in faith, clothe ourselves in love, and be the men and women that you are calling us to be. Lead and guide us to honor and cherish our spouse while giving us hearts to serve with grace and humility. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

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