Expressing Your Love – vol. 20

When planning a wedding ceremony that is not happening in a house of worship, scripture passages aren’t chosen lightly, or often. But for those who believe in God, they reflect the couple’s values, their faith, and the vision they hold for their marriage. One of the most meaningful and beloved choices is Colossians 3:12-17, a passage that beautifully captures the heart of Christian love and commitment.

A Call to Live with Compassion, Kindness & Forgiveness

This reading begins with an invitation to “put on… compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” These virtues aren’t just ideal qualities in any relationship—they’re essential to a healthy, lasting marriage. Saint Paul reminds us to forgive “as the Lord has forgiven you.” Every marriage will encounter disagreements, challenges, and moments of hurt. This reading highlights the power of forgiveness, encouraging spouses to approach one another with mercy rather than resentment. A couple choosing this scripture in their ceremony signals their desire to build a home marked by grace and mutual care.

Love as the Bond of Perfection

The scripture climaxes with the exhortation to “put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.” Love isn’t presented here as a fleeting feeling, but as an enduring choice that binds everything else together. Saint Paul concludes with gratitude and unity: “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts… And be thankful.” Gratitude is a powerful theme for marriage—fostering joy, resilience, and perspective. For couples, this makes Colossians 3:12-17 a profound expression of their vow to love one another unconditionally keeping God at the center of their relationship.

Why This Reading Resonates at Weddings

Colossians 3:12-17 is chosen by many couples because it goes beyond romantic love. It offers a roadmap for daily married life: patience in trials, forgiveness in conflict, peace in unity, and love above all else. It reminds couples—and their community—that marriage is both a gift and a calling, grounded in faith and sustained by God’s grace.