.gif)
ADELADIUS MAKWEGA | DODOMA, TANZANIA
A Christian marriage is a lifelong covenant that calls on a husband and wife to remain faithful, loving and committed to each other until death, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), North Eastern Diocese, the Rev. Dr. Msafiri Mbilu, has said.
Bishop Mbilu made the remarks while officiating the wedding ceremony of Francis Wambura, an employee in the Defence and Security Forces, and Ruth Josephy Jally, a Special Seats Councillor representing Lushoto Division in Lushoto District Council, Tanga Region.
Speaking during the wedding service at the Dodoma Diocese Cathedral, Bishop Mbilu said the early issuance of a marriage certificate carries a profound meaning for newlyweds.
He explained that, unlike academic certificates, which are awarded after years of study and upon completion of various levels of education, a marriage certificate is issued immediately because it marks the beginning of a new and lifelong journey for the couple.
“You know, according to the traditions of the world, certificates are normally awarded after a person has studied for a certain period and completed their studies, from basic education to a Doctor of Philosophy. But in marriage, the certificate is issued early. This means that the life of marriage is continuous until death,” Bishop Mbilu said.
He reminded the couple and other married people attending the ceremony that Christian marriage should not be viewed as a temporary commitment, but as a sacred covenant requiring spouses to stand by each other through every season of life.
The bishop emphasized that couples should remain united not only during moments of happiness and prosperity, but also when faced with difficulties and challenges.
During the ceremony, the sermon was delivered by Rev. Veronika Kafwela, who based her message on the Song of Solomon 4:7–11.
Rev. Kafwela urged married couples to develop the habit of recognizing and appreciating the positive qualities in their spouses instead of concentrating solely on their weaknesses and shortcomings.
“God recognizes human weaknesses, but in this song, God speaks about the good qualities. Therefore, each person should learn to identify even one good thing in their spouse rather than focusing only on the bad,” she said.
She said understanding and accepting human imperfections is essential to a successful marriage, urging couples to cultivate patience, forgiveness, mutual respect and genuine love.
According to Rev. Kafwela, marriage requires spouses to continuously nurture the love that God has established between them while supporting each other through life's challenges.
The wedding service was attended by Pastor Daniel Sangolo, Rev. Veronika Kafwela and Rev. Amoni Mponzi from the Dodoma Diocese, as well as Julius Madiga, General Secretary of the North Eastern Diocese.
The marriage was solemnized according to Christian principles, marking a new chapter in the lives of Francis Wambura and Ruth Josephy Jally.
The newlyweds were encouraged to make God the foundation of their family and to build their marriage on love, faithfulness, patience, mutual respect and the fear of God throughout their lives.
Email: makwadeladius@gmail.com
Phone: 0717 649 257
.gif)
Post a Comment