Forgiveness
09/02/07 09:02 AM
As you know, I have the privilege performing
weddings. Here in Charleston, I do it a lot. This
past Friday night I had the honor to be a part of
something very special. It was a marriage vow
renewal service. It wasn't special because of me or
my relationship with the couple. I really didn't
know them. They were from Atlanta and got my name
from the Sanctuary at Kiawah. It wasn't special
because it was their 10th or 25th anniversary.
Actually, it was their 22nd wedding anniversary. It
wasn't special because of the pomp and circumstance
of the ceremony itself. In fact, it was very simple
- me, the couple, and their two children (10 &
12 I think) on the beach.
No, what made this special was the fact that they almost didn't make it. They almost became just another statistic. He committed adultery. They had been through all the pain, heartache, and anger associated with that. But through the grace and forgiveness of God, the love and support of a church and Christian friends, there we stood together to renew their marriage vows Friday night. They talked openly about the sin and the pain, in front of me and their kids. They hugged, held hands, and cried together. It was one of the most moving services I've ever been a part of. Here are the words he wrote and spoke to his wife:
"Paula, 22 years ago I pledged many things to you, including my faithfulness. With great sorrow and regret, I acknowledge that I broke that vow and I realize the enormity of my mistake. On our wedding day I pledged to love you in sickness and in health, for better or worse. The past year has tested those vows, but our enduring love for one another has prevailed. I stand here today in the presence of God and our beautiful family to symbolize a fresh start, to renew our vows of love, trust, faithfulness and honor, to reaffirm my commitment to you. You being here today represents the greatest gift that one human being could ever give another - forgiveness. Together we have built the most beautiful life with two precious children whom we are very proud of. When I promised to love you as long as we both shall live, I never imagined losing you or the depths of despair I would feel at that prospect. Words cannot describe how sorry I am for ever causing you pain. Please know that I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to continue life’s journey by your side. Once again, I promise to love you, to honor you with my trust and faithfulness, to comfort you in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better and for worse, as long as we both shall live."
What God has joined together, let no one or no thing ever separate.
No, what made this special was the fact that they almost didn't make it. They almost became just another statistic. He committed adultery. They had been through all the pain, heartache, and anger associated with that. But through the grace and forgiveness of God, the love and support of a church and Christian friends, there we stood together to renew their marriage vows Friday night. They talked openly about the sin and the pain, in front of me and their kids. They hugged, held hands, and cried together. It was one of the most moving services I've ever been a part of. Here are the words he wrote and spoke to his wife:
"Paula, 22 years ago I pledged many things to you, including my faithfulness. With great sorrow and regret, I acknowledge that I broke that vow and I realize the enormity of my mistake. On our wedding day I pledged to love you in sickness and in health, for better or worse. The past year has tested those vows, but our enduring love for one another has prevailed. I stand here today in the presence of God and our beautiful family to symbolize a fresh start, to renew our vows of love, trust, faithfulness and honor, to reaffirm my commitment to you. You being here today represents the greatest gift that one human being could ever give another - forgiveness. Together we have built the most beautiful life with two precious children whom we are very proud of. When I promised to love you as long as we both shall live, I never imagined losing you or the depths of despair I would feel at that prospect. Words cannot describe how sorry I am for ever causing you pain. Please know that I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to continue life’s journey by your side. Once again, I promise to love you, to honor you with my trust and faithfulness, to comfort you in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better and for worse, as long as we both shall live."
What God has joined together, let no one or no thing ever separate.
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