When I think back to the early days when Andre and I first fell in love, I can still feel the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. My heart raced with excitement, while my head was utterly confused—how could this guy, who I thought was such an obnoxious jerk, make me feel this way? It was the start of something neither of us expected.
What began as a long-distance friendship quickly sparked into a wildfire of connection. We were so in sync, finishing each other’s sentences as if we had known each other forever. I remember the little things that made us click—like how he would eat all the liquorice from my box of Allsorts because I only liked the colourful sweets. He’d dip his rusks into my coffee without hesitation, stealing bites from my plate with that mischievous smile.
Those moments, simple as they were, made me realize how effortlessly we fit together. Love grew in those shared bites and stolen sips—strong, unexpected, and real.
Falling in love is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. It’s a moment when two hearts begin to intertwine, not just with each other, but also with the deeper purpose God intended from the very beginning. From that first glance, the laughter shared, the understanding born from simple conversations — love blossoms, and in its purity, reflects God’s divine design for marriage.
When you decide to commit to one another, and the question of engagement is asked, it’s not just a step toward a wedding day. It’s a step toward a life journey, a covenant rooted in the love of Christ, who designed marriage to be a reflection of His unbreakable bond with us. As two souls unite in this sacred promise, the beauty of God’s intention for marriage shines through — to love, serve, and grow together in His grace.
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
— Ephesians 5:31
Marriage was never meant to be a mere contract or a fleeting feeling. It was intended to be a covenant, a union blessed by God where two people become one. It is a lifelong commitment to love, honor, and cherish one another — not just in the easy times, but in the challenging moments too. In marriage, we mirror Christ’s love for the Church, a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and enduring.
Before anything breaks, before trials come, the foundation is built on the truth that love is a choice, not just a feeling. It’s choosing to uplift your partner, to support them when they’re weak, and to celebrate with them in moments of joy. It’s a commitment to weather life’s storms hand in hand, always leaning on God for strength.
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
— Colossians 3:14
In the beginning, when love is new and excitement fills your heart, it’s important to remember that marriage is not just about the beautiful moments, but about becoming a reflection of Christ’s love. It’s about forgiving each other when you fall short, lifting each other up when you’re down, and always striving to honour the commitment made before God. This is the design of marriage — two people walking together in love, grace, and faith.
It is so much harder than it sounds. Putting the words on paper may come easily, but living them out in the context of marriage is where the real work begins. I remember how our love for each other didn’t come without its challenges. We were young and in love, full of hope, but we quickly learned that love alone doesn’t smooth out every rough patch. We made sacrifices—some of which, if we’re truly honest today, might not have been worth it.
In the early days, I had one expectation above all else: to know God and to let that guide every part of my life. Serving my husband was a big part of that. Early in our relationship, I washed Andre’s feet—a moment of humble service that taught me something profound. As I knelt there, washing his feet, I realized that this man, in all of his good and bad, was my person. In that simple act, I understood the depth of commitment God was calling me to. It wasn’t about perfection or waiting for Andre to become someone else; it was about loving and serving him as he was.
As much as I wanted to live out a godly marriage, we still faced the reality of two different people trying to build a life together, we sometimes lost sight of our own needs. In our blindness, we didn’t always see the weight of our choices until later. Compromise became a necessity, but not every sacrifice brought peace—some left wounds we couldn’t see at the time.
In those moments of struggle, it was my faith that kept me grounded. God was my foundation, and through Him, I found the strength to love Andre through both the joys and the hardships. I learned that real love, the kind that honours God, isn’t just about giving endlessly; it’s about balancing service with the truth of who we are and what we need.
Looking back, I realize that washing Andre’s feet wasn’t just an act of service; it was a symbol of the humility and grace our marriage would need. It was a reminder that love is both a calling and a choice—a choice to see each other fully, flaws and all, and to love each other with the same kind of grace God has shown us.
Keep this in mind as you prepare for marriage, take joy in the fact that God has brought you together with a purpose. Your love is a gift, and your future is bright. Stand on the foundation of His Word, and let Christ be the centre of your marriage. With Him, the love you share will not only endure but grow stronger with each passing day. Together, you will fulfil the beautiful design He intended for marriage — a union of hearts, souls, and faith.
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
— Mark 10:9
Before anything breaks, before life’s challenges come your way, cherish the truth that your love is grounded in something far greater than the fleeting emotions of this world. It is rooted in the eternal love of Christ, who calls you to walk this journey side by side, united in His grace. In that unity, there is strength, purpose, and a future filled with the blessings of God’s perfect plan.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the love You’ve placed between us. Thank You for bringing us together and for the joy we have found in one another. As we take this step toward marriage, we acknowledge that this love is not our own but a reflection of the love You have for us.
Lord, we pray for Your guidance as we prepare for this sacred covenant. Help us to always put You at the centre of our relationship, knowing that without You, our love will not stand. Teach us to love each other with patience, kindness, and grace, just as You have loved us. In the moments of joy and the moments of challenge, help us to choose love, to serve one another, and to lift each other up in faith.
Father, we pray that You bless our engagement and marriage. Protect our hearts from anything that seeks to divide us and give us the strength to face life’s trials together. Let our love grow stronger each day, reflecting Your perfect design for marriage. May our union be a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness, and may we always seek to honour You in all that we do.
Guide us as we walk this journey hand in hand, and may Your love be the foundation that sustains us through every season. We trust in Your plan for our lives and ask for Your blessing upon our future together.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
