On the weekend I was privileged to be the best man at the wedding of two very good friends of mine – Andrew and Hannah Vella (it feels a bit strange writing Hannah Vella when she’s been Hannah Walton for so long, but it’s an exciting strange!) It was a wonderful day.
As the lucky couple said said their vows to each other, I was struck by the gravity of what they were committing to:
Andrew, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
I will.
Hannah, will you have this man to be you husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
I will.
Witness, will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
We will.
These are massive promises – both in scope and in the length of time they are committing to each other – forever!
They are also unconditional promises. They are not promising to love, honour, care, keep, forsake when it’s convenient, or when they feel up to it, or if the other person makes it easy for them, or until they get a better offer. From this day, until the day they die, regardless of what happens, they are committing to each other.
I also noticed the important role of the witnesses of the marriage. It’s our job to help them keep the promises they made to each other, to “do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?” It’s a significant responsibility, but I’m very pleased to be able to help my friends throughout their life together.
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Thanks Tiger. Your a good mate.
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