For Better or For Worse

BY REBECCA LOW

There’s a phrase in our traditional marriage vows: ‘for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part’. These words are proclaimed by the husband and the wife before God, signifying their promise to be there for each other despite any obstacles.

The four-part series of the marriage seminar began in March. The last session ended in June, leaving the people who came with many great insights and memories. Over the 4 sessions, the attendees included couples married for more than 20 years, couples with teenage kids and young kids, as well as newlyweds. Throughout this time, the couples had a great time learning more about each other and learning concepts that would benefit their relationship currently, or in the long run. Read what Charlotte and Filbert Lee (SWS) and Lin Sian and Serene Wong (SPS) have to say as they reflect on their experience during the seminar together.

Recently married, Charlotte and Filbert shared: "While we attended the pre-marriage course, we signed up for this series as we thought it would be good to keep some of these pointers fresh. It’s a good series to remind couples, young and old, to have regular check-ins and dates with each other to keep the friendship and relationship alive, and remember God’s love and intention for us to love as He first loved us."

Married for 21 years and coupled with 2 teenagers, Lin Sian and Serene shared what made them attend the seminar: “having gone through many “Thick and Thin” moments together, we gleaned some helpful tips for a “happily ever after”. However, “Pride comes before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18), is constantly at the back of our minds. So, we thought why not look at “Better Together” as a refresher course!

For any married couple, whether newlywed or married for some time, “eating crow” is probably one of the most difficult things to do, ever!!! Telling our spouse whom we love, “you are right, I’m wrong” is very humbling. But, if we love our other half, that would be one of the “easiest” things to say and do because we will have gained much more from being humble."

The seminar had taught key concepts such as the willingness to learn and grow, and the humility to be corrected. During a marriage, many conflicts will pop up due to factors such as financial problems and having kids. However, each couple’s sacred marriage vows still ring true. Each challenge changes character, and marriage is about a couple growing together throughout, in faith and in love.

As Adam and Eve were, marriage is meant to be a connection between equals and as partners. Between each other, the golden ticket is communication.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24.

With marriage, husband and wife become one. From Day 1, the couple has to learn to work together, and battle together, for better or for worse. We thank God for the marriage seminar and that those who attended were able to be blessed by the lessons taught. May the Lord bless all of COR’s marriages and be ever-present in their life journey together!

Rebecca is a 'coffee over tea' lover and an intense book nerd. She studies creative writing by day and is a half of the jokester twins in her MSS cell group, El Chaiyai.