Marriage is often symbolized by a simple band of gold, but is the meaning behind it truly reflected in our daily lives? For many, the wedding ring represents commitment, love, and unity—but what happens when that symbol becomes just an afterthought?
Today, I want to share a story that challenges us to think deeper about what it really means to "wear" our wedding ring, not just physically, but in our hearts and actions.
There was once a woman who frequently left her wedding ring at home. Time and time again, her husband would come home to find the ring resting in its box, unused and neglected.
At first, the wife had reasons—she forgot it in the rush to leave for work, or she had taken it off to clean or shower. The husband, understanding and loving, accepted these explanations. But after some time, the ring was left behind again... and again.
Eventually, the wife admitted that she wanted an upgrade. Eager to please her, the husband worked hard and bought her a new, more beautiful wedding band. But just a week and a half later, she left the new ring at home as well.
This time, the husband, deeply hurt, asked his wife a question that cut to the heart of the issue: "Do you even want to be in this marriage?"
After a long pause, the wife finally answered, "Sometimes I do... and sometimes I don’t."
The husband’s response was powerful: *"When you complained about the bed, I got you a new one. When you asked for an upgrade, I worked hard to buy you a better ring. Everything you’ve asked of me, I’ve done my best to provide. But the only thing I’ve ever asked of you... was to wear your wedding ring."*
This story reveals a deep truth about marriage. The wedding ring is more than a material object. It’s a symbol of a promise—a covenant made before God and each other. But, as this story illustrates, symbols alone are not enough. Commitment in marriage is shown through actions, not just words or tokens.
The Bible provides us with a clear understanding of what love and commitment in marriage truly look like:
Ephesians 5:25-28 (NIV):
*“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her...
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”* Here, we see that love in marriage is about sacrifice and selflessness. The husband's actions in the story reflect this biblical love—he provided for his wife and worked hard to meet her needs. But true commitment involves more than material provision.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV):
*“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”*
This passage defines love as a series of actions, not just feelings. In the story, the husband’s patience and kindness shine through, while the wife’s repeated neglect of her ring suggests a lack of the commitment described in these verses.
Matthew 19:6 (NIV):
*“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”*
Marriage is a union—two becoming one. When one spouse consistently neglects symbols of that unity, like the wedding ring, it raises deeper questions about the state of the relationship and the level of commitment involved.
So, let’s ask ourselves: Do we wear our wedding ring in our actions and our character, or is it just a symbol without true meaning?
True love in marriage is a daily choice. It’s about showing up for your spouse every day, even when it’s hard. It’s not about perfection, but about choosing to love, honor, and serve one another through the ups and downs of life.
A wedding ring can fade over time, but the commitment you made to your spouse should grow stronger with each passing year.
Let’s take a moment to reflect. What would your marriage look like if you invested in it the way the husband in this story did? Do your actions reflect the commitment you made on your wedding day, or have you been neglecting your vows, leaving your “ring” behind?
Marriage is more than a ceremony, a ring, or even a legal contract. It’s a sacred bond that requires daily effort, love, and commitment.
As we wrap up, let’s return to the central question: **Do you have your wedding ring on?** Not just physically, but in the way you live out your marriage every day?
Are you honoring your spouse with your actions, your words, and your character?
If not, it’s never too late to start. Whether you’ve been married for a few years or a few decades, you can always choose to recommit, to love more deeply, and to wear your wedding ring in your heart as well as on your hand.
If this message spoke to you, take a moment to reflect on your marriage. Consider having an open conversation with your spouse about how you can both invest more in your relationship. Share this article with others who may need encouragement, and let’s start a conversation about what it means to truly honor and love our spouses.
Thank you for reading. Remember, your wedding ring is more than a symbol. It’s a reflection of your love, commitment, and the promises you made to your spouse. Let’s honor those promises every single day.
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