October 9 | 1 Peter 3:1-7
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Gift of Marriage
By Jennifer Jerrome
How fitting this is the passage because my son is getting married tomorrow!
While verse 7 may contain some tricky wording according to today’s society, (keep in mind the time in which this letter was written), there is much to take away. Peter tells us that actions speak louder than words. It’s behavior that matters… “when they see the purity and reverence of your lives” (v. 2). Whether you are husband or wife, your life and how you live it – with sincerity and respect - has the power to ignite change in those around you.
Verses 3-4 tell us it’s not your outward appearance that counts, but myour inner self, “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Adorning ourselves not with expensive jewelry or clothes, but with hope, is what God wants.
Yes, my soon to be daughter-in-law will wear a fancy dress and my son a tuxedo, but it’s the ceremony itself that is the focus. The vows they pledge will join them in a union recognized by God as one of the strongest bonds created.
Marriage, at its basis, is two people walking alongside each other guided by love. The goal of a wedding is to become partners in this gracious gift of life. A spouse is someone to share life with, someone to pray with, someone to hold you up when you literally and figurately can’t stand.
While my son and his wife will receive tangible gifts tomorrow, allowing the Spirit to work quietly through them is the greatest gift of all. One I hope and pray they will treasure each day.
PRAYER
Thank you, Father, for the gift of marriage. It’s a bond of unspeakable, often wordless strength. May husbands and wives encourage each other daily and adorn themselves with the hope found only in you. It’s in your name we pray, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JENNIFER JERROME
I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.
Thank you, Jennifer! Congratulations and blessings for your son and daughter-in-law! I love this: partners in the gracious gift of life. And a lovely reminder for me, married for decades 😂, to keep Christ still at the center. Thank you!
Thank you Carmel!
Just lovely, Jennifer,
I love how God provided this passage for you today. I'm certain your son and daughter-in-law will treasure this devotional and perhaps use these words of scripture to enhance their faith walk in marriage. Blessings to all.
Just beautiful, Jennifer! I wish your son and his bride a beautiful life together filled with love and blessings, and I hope you enjoy celebrating their union tomorrow!