Commitment is a universal tie that links us together to those we love and ultimately ties out soul to the Lord. A newborn baby trusts that her parent will provide food, shelter, and love. A child relies on his parents for training, unconditional love, and Godly wisdom. Two people enter a marriage covenant full of confidence that their spouse will remain faithful for the duration of their lives. Aging parents depend on their grown children in times of physical distress. A church family becomes knit together through individuals who are willing to lend a helping hand. As a result of their dedication, they shine a light so bright that God is proclaimed to the world.

That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.
Colossians 2:2

Marriage was the first committed relationship ever created on the earth. While we live in a blessed, affluent country and enjoy many freedoms, there is an atmosphere of selfishness that can permeate our lives if we allow it. We could be tempted to take this Godly bond for granted, instead of recognizing its immeasurable value. Thankfully, we are able to access knowledge from couples who have not only survived a long-term marriage, but who have thrived and enjoyed the rich blessings that go hand in hand with a loving relationship. I am beyond thankful for my Godly mentors, grateful that they are willing to share wisdom with us.

I asked several couples if they would give insight into how they have built fulfilling marriages in the Lord. Below are pearls of wisdom from those who know what true love really means. They are celebrating long term marriages, and are encouraging friends and family who love the Lord to do the same:

“I recently spoke with a girl who was about to get engaged. Some of the questions on her mind were, “How do you know this is the right person, forever?” “How do I know I will feel this way about him forever?” “What if we change?”
I realized that you can’t know those things, and you WILL change. Certainly we want to be a different, better person 10, 20 years from now. What you do know is that this is the kind of person you could love forever, and that this relationship is forever. Then you just start a wonderful journey and learn, grow, and change together. Your determination to follow God’s will and be with one person for life allows you to accept changing life circumstances, personal changes, stages of life and be secure in your relationship with this one.
A preacher I respect said it this way, “When two people walk together toward the same goal, they will stay close, even closer, as they get there.” Choose a man that is walking toward God and commit to walk with him for life. You’ll only get closer and more secure in your relationship along the way.”
~ Married almost 37 years

“You have to have commitment with anything you want to accomplish. If I were giving advice to younger people about their marriage, I would say to them, if you think something is important, think again about the income. Would it make your marriage better or worse, and would it effect your eternity?”
~ Married for 45 years

“Always think of the other person before yourself, and don’t say things you will regret because you can apologize but you can’t take back hurtful words.”
~ Married for 42 years

“I read somewhere that each day is a little lifetime. It can be so long is all isn’t well. So each day, do or say something special to your spouse and of course always pray for them. Commitment doesn’t necessarily mean happiness, so try to always act happy so they will be encouraged. Actually, love is always about them.”
~ Married for 45 years

The most important commitment we will ever cultivate is with the Lord. He is the author of these wonderful and necessary relationships. He created our need for one another, and instructed us to put others first. Let’s put our whole heart into serving Him and one another. The blessings will abound!

 “‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Matthew 22:36-39