The Heart of a Lasting Marriage: Why Love Alone Isn’t Enough

Once upon a time, in a charming small town, two young people—Destiny and Eric—crossed paths most unexpectedly. At first, there was no spark. Destiny thought Eric was too serious, while Eric found Destiny too carefree. Perhaps one felt slightly attracted, but the other was completely uninterested.

Yet, as the years passed and life wove their paths together, they discovered common values, dreams, and a deep appreciation for each other. Slowly, a friendship blossomed into love. Their journey followed the classic romantic arc: love grew, challenges arose, a painful breakup occurred, and then—reconciliation. They realized their love was worth fighting for and ultimately married, riding off into the sunset, full of hope for the future.

But what happens after the wedding? Fast forward 3, 10, 20, even 50 years—Destiny and Eric are still together. The question is, how did they do it?

Many couples start their journey believing that the feelings of love will always be enough. However, as time goes on, emotions fluctuate. This is where the actual test of marriage begins. Love must be accompanied by:

1. Faith in God – Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” When God is at the center of a marriage, He strengthens a couple even when challenges arise.
2. Commitment—Marriage is a covenant, not just a contract. Unlike contracts, which can be broken when circumstances change, a covenant is a sacred promise to remain faithful in all seasons of life.
3. Communication & Understanding – James 1:19 advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Active listening and open communication foster trust and emotional intimacy.
4. Selflessness & Service – Marriage requires work and intentionality. Just as one must eat daily to remain healthy or refuel a car regularly to keep it running, a marriage must be nurtured to last. One of the keys to a successful marriage is the concept of service. Just as Jesus came to serve, husbands and wives should serve each other. Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” A lasting marriage thrives when both partners put each other’s needs above their own.
5. Perseverance Through Challenges – Difficulties, whether financial struggles, health issues, or personal differences will come. However, couples who lean on God and commit to working through problems together build a stronger bond over time.

One of the most common themes in long-lasting marriages is that couples take their vows seriously. When they said, “In sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, ’til death do us part,” they truly meant it. These vows are beautiful words and a commitment to walk through all seasons of life together.

In today’s weddings, many couples choose to write customized vows that reflect their unique love story. Unlike traditional vows, personalized vows allow couples to articulate their love and commitment in their own words, making the ceremony deeply meaningful. This modern trend allows couples to highlight their journey, share personal promises, and publicly affirm their devotion. Whether incorporating humor, heartfelt promises, or faith-based commitments, these vows serve as a testament to the foundation they are building for their future together.

• How do we invite God into our marriage daily?
• In what areas do we need to grow in selflessness and communication?
• How can we intentionally build a deeper foundation beyond emotions?

Love is beautiful, but it is only the beginning. A lasting marriage is built on faith, commitment, and the willingness to grow together. Whether you are engaged, newly married, or have been together for decades, remember that a marriage centered on God is one that will stand the test of time.

If you’re preparing for marriage or looking to strengthen your relationship, consider praying together, seeking wisdom from scripture, and surround yourselves with mentors who can offer godly counsel. The journey of marriage is not always easy, but with God at the center, it will bring Joy for a Lifetime.

Would you like to discuss personalized elements for your wedding ceremony? Contact Notary Near Me Florida to learn more about how we can help officiate a Christ-centered wedding ceremony that reflects your love story.