Tying the knot

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything in perfect harmony.”

Colossians 3:14

Tying the knot signifies the love binding a couple together in marriage. This originates from an ancient Celtic tradition known as Handfasting, where the betrothed couple’s hands were bound together declaring their engagement.

By definition, a traditional marriage is a legal contractual union between a man and a woman who are entering into the bonds of Holy Matrimony. It’s two consenting adults agreeing before God to wholly dedicate their lives to one another, becoming partners. This is a serious step in anyone’s life and should never be taken lightly.

Our youngest daughter just got married and I’ve never been to a more spiritual wedding. The pastor did a beautiful job of presenting two people who loved each other and acknowledging the importance of making the Lord the central focus of this union. The presence of the Holy Spirit could be felt in this spectacular outdoor setting.

When the marriage knot is tied, a new family nucleus is formed because the man will now leave his family, cleaving to his wife and vice versa. Marriages thrive when couples pledge to love, honor and cherish each other and surrender their selfish desires.

Surrender is difficult to do sometimes because we’re born wanting things done our way. It’s human nature. But when both spouses yearn to please God, the love of Jesus shines through causing us to want to please our spouse and compromises are easier to find. It’s a strange concept for the non-believer to understand but I know in my own marriage, it’s been key. I love Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” When God is the cord binding us together, we become unified with Christ.