In marriage ceremonies, a couple traditionally promises themselves to each other “in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad.” This promise that we make to our spouse and that we strive to uphold finds the quintessential example of such a nature in Jesus Christ. For no matter how ensnared we become in sin, no matter how much suffering and pain we may undergo, no matter how high our joys may reach and how far our lows may fall, God always walks alongside us, God is always willing to forgive a repentant heart, and God always seeks for his children to be reconciled to him through Jesus Christ. In our sickness and health, our good times and bad, God is always there even when we cannot feel him near.
An undeniable part of life is the struggles that will come at different points in our journey. Love as deep and wide as the love of Christ, however, can persevere through even the darkest of trials. When we take this vow to love another so thoroughly, we take a vow to strive to model Christ-like behavior. We promise to embody this love and to live into it each and every day, but what exactly are we promising when we say we will love another as Christ loved us? What does it mean to love another in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad?
It means that when they suffer, we feel their pain and want to find a way to make everything better - even when there is seemingly nothing we can do. It means that we celebrate their triumph, mourn their losses, and encourage them each and every day. It means that we support them in their spiritual journey to grow closer to God. It means knowing when to say something and when to say nothing, when to hold them close and comfort them and when to give them a loving push in the right direction. It means holding their hand and walking next to them whether through sunshine and meadows or storm clouds and muddy waters. It means loving them even when you’re frustrated, hurt, or confused. It means keeping your relationship with God first and foremost so that the fruit flowing from within you to others in your life is richly nurtured and centered.
This manner of embodying the love of Christ is not reserved toward one’s spouse, however. Instead, this love - so rich and so unconditional - is to be shown to all no matter class, race, gender, dissenting beliefs or opinions - no matter anything for in Christ, we are all alike. In Christ, we are all equal. In Christ, we are all loved and called children of God. There will come struggles just as there will come moments of triumph. When we feel powerless or lost, though, we must remember that our greatest strength lies in Christ and can be found in the power of prayer. As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
By Meredith Bond, 2018
Comments