Why do so many choose I Corinthians 13 to be read at their weddings?
I suspect it has much to do with these words:
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I Corinthians 13.4-7
Because, in marriage, people commit to love, comfort and honour each other to the end of their days. They promise to cherish each other and be faithful to each other always – not just when they feel like it, but when they are tired, frustrated, anxious -- when they don’t feel like it at all. That kind of daily love requires endless patience, constant kindness and cheerfulness, giving way to the other, forgiveness, humility and honesty. It certainly does require endurance.
Lovebirds taking a stroll in the park - a loving sign of enduring love.Lovebirds taking a stroll in the park - a loving sign of enduring love.
What makes us think we can sustain that kind of life long relationship?
One of my favourite readings is from the first letter of John because he gives me a sense that perhaps that kind of love just may be possible.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. … since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. … if we love one another, God lives in us, and God’s love is perfected in us.
I John 4.7-12: God Is Love
It’s God’s love in us that gives us what we need to live lives of love on a daily basis.
Jesus tells us, “Abide in my love, live in my love …. that your joy may be complete.” John 15.10-11
That your joy may be complete’ -- Living in Christ’s love, loving one another as God loves us, these are the ways in which our joy may be complete.