For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

I believe I’ve read this quote in almost every wedding I’ve officiated and I will be reading it again next weekend as I have the privilege and honour of marrying another young couple:

“Commitment involves love, availability, courage, endurance, and confession of sin. Commitment shines brightest when times get hard. That’s the essence of being committed to someone. That’s why a groom commits to his bride in sickness and in health. Commitment is seen most clearly in the light of affliction and pain. Dan Allender describes commitment as cleaving: ‘To cleave is to hold on to another for dear life.’”[1]

We all crave intimacy as human beings because we were created for it. We are social creatures and we are meant to spend time and be in relationship with one another. We long to know and to be known, but true and genuine and authentic intimacy flourishes only out of commitment. Intimacy is therefore a byproduct of commitment.

What is so amazing in the gospel is that we see that God’s love for us is steadfast, “unfailing and unwavering, rock-solid and true.”[2] Jesus said, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). God’s love is so committed to us that He sent Jesus to lay down His life for us! This is the kind of love that Jesus has modeled for us. And as we read above in Romans 8, absolutely nothing will separate us from His love.

Therefore, we must strive to love as Jesus has loved us. In our friendships, in our marriages, with our fellow believers, and with the world around us. Know that you are deeply loved by God and go out and be committed to Him and to others. It is only there that you will find the intimacy that you were created for. “The gift of such commitment is a deeper and more intimate relationship with fellow believers, which ultimately transforms our hearts for the glory of God.”[3]

[1] Brian Cosby, Giving Up Gimmicks, 101.

[2] Ibid, 102.

[3] Ibid, 104.