Commitment ceremony
My sister (a widow) is living with a widower. Rather than marry, they have chosen to have a commitment ceremony. They say that it is better for them financially to not marry. They attend a church of a different denomination and apparently that pastor finds the commitment ceremony to be an acceptable option. Isn’t the Bible clear that the only thing acceptable is marriage? Has WELS said anything specific on this topic?
The essential part of marriage is the commitment of a man to a woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). If marriage were simply a private commitment between two people, then a commitment ceremony could celebrate their actions, but marriage is also a contract between a man and a woman. It is a contract in the sense that governments regulate the commitment between a man and a woman through marriage licenses. Two people who have participated in a commitment ceremony and are living together without being legally married are fooling themselves but not God.
When two people of the opposite sex—regardless of age—live together without the benefit of marriage, they are in a position of causing offense to others (Matthew 18:6-7) and emboldening others to follow their example. In addition, their lives are not in line with what God says: that “among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Ephesians 5:3). Christians who have long been on the receiving end of God’s goodness are especially responsible for setting good examples for others (Luke 12:48).
It is sad when people prioritize financial concerns over doing what God says in his word. It is also sad when people do not give God opportunities to carry out his promises in their lives. After all, Jesus promised: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). “These things” that Jesus promised are the necessities of life: food and clothing (Matthew 6:31). God operates with his own mathematical and economic system as his children live their lives in trusting obedience of his will.
Continue to help your sister with your prayers and your Christian witnessing.