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In Marriage: Love Is Not Enough

My beloved sons and daughters, love is a wonderful foundation for marriage, but it is not enough.

My late mum would fondly remind me saying, “Wendo ti irio”, which means “Love is not food”.

Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and like any long-term relationship, it will be tested by the ups and downs of life.

There will be times when the initial flames of love may flicker, and it is during those times that you will need other qualities to sustain your bond.

Think of marriage as a garden. Love is the fertile soil, but you also need:

•The sunshine of trust,

•The water of compassion,

•The nutrients of respect, understanding, patience, flexibility etc

to help your relationship grow and flourish.

Remember, love is not a feeling.

It is a choice you make every day to cherish and honour your partner.

”There will be times when the initial flames of love may flicker, and it is during those times that you will need other qualities to sustain your bond.”

It is about putting their needs alongside your own and working together as a team.

As the Bible says in 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 does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.”

Marriage will demand NOT ONLY LOVE, but also ALL these other essential qualities.

To quote my mum:

“Wendo ti irio”

“Mapenzi si chakula”

“Love is not food”

You need more than love to sustain a marriage.

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)

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