Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged couples to embrace love, patience, commitment and understanding in order to build enduring homes and enjoy marriages better than those of their parents.
Governor Oborevwori gave the advice on Saturday at the solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Miss Christiana Oghenetejire Okah and Mr. Evi Simeon Okah at Christ Apostolic Church, Effurun.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., said it is the desire of every parent to see their children attain greater heights in life, adding that the same aspiration should reflect in marriage, with couples striving to build homes filled with greater joy, peace and happiness.
He noted that many marriages have endured for over 30 years, while some have lasted a lifetime, owing to the virtues of love, patience, respect, commitment and mutual understanding.
Oborevwori congratulated the couple and charged them to continually complement one another in love and understanding in order to enjoy a peaceful and successful union.
Delivering a sermon titled, “When God Is Involved,” drawn from John 2:1-11, the guest speaker, Arc. Bishop Solomon Gbakara, urged the couple and married persons generally to make God the foundation of their homes.
He said marriages that are not properly nurtured and guided by godly principles would continue to face challenges, stressing the need for couples to be mindful of the kind of people and influences they allow into their homes.
According to him, God’s purpose for marriage is that it should be held in honour, and couples must ensure that honour remains central in their relationship.
Bishop Gbakara further cautioned against pride, unnecessary confrontation, laziness and strife, warning that such attitudes could weaken and ultimately destroy a marriage. He also advised couples to speak kindly to one another and handle issues with wisdom, noting that many marriages are collapsing because spouses use harsh words against each other.
He underscored the importance of prayer and intercession in marriage, saying every home needs spiritual support, while spouses should continually pray for one another for the success and sustenance of their union.
The cleric also urged couples to express love rather than control, adding that wisdom, knowledge, understanding of each other’s background and tolerance of individual shortcomings are vital to the stability and longevity of marriage.
