To Love and To Cherish Til Death Do Us Part

Real talk family. There are many sacred promises hidden inside our traditional wedding vows. One of the most emotional moments for me is when I hear the couple promise “To love and to cherish, till death do us part” Often times, these words indicate we are coming to the end of the ceremony. But not before couples solidify their covenant, for a lifetime, in front of witnesses.

The magitude of our vows normally causes guest to grow quiet. People smile through tears as everyone anticipates the beauty of forever. “To love and to cherish, till death do us part” are promises meant to shape how people live, love, forgive, connect, and remain faithful to one another in their marriage for a lifetime. These words actually are evidence that love was never meant to be casual. As shared in one of my previous blogs, love should not be treated like a feeling that comes and goes. Emotions are too fleeting for that. When emotions are high, love feels easy until life becomes stressful. In fact, some people begin questioning whether love still exists at all when relationships require patience, sacrifice, and growth.

Review all of your vows again. Our traditional vows teaches us that marriage is not sustained by attraction or emotion. Covenant love was never meant to be casual, temporary, or shallow. Our vows share a promise of permanence, security, intimacy, and lasting connection. In fact, research from The Gottman Institute consistently shows that stable commitment strengthens trust, communication, and long-term relationship satisfaction.

Pray with me. Our father. Help us to love each other deeply, intentionally, and faithfully. Help us never treat our marriage casually or neglect the gift of one another’s presence. Show us how to cherish our spouse with patience, kindness, affection, honor, and grace. Strengthen our commitment through every season and help our love reflect safety, joy, loyalty, and covenant. Help our marriage be a reflection of you. Amen.