The White Dove

 

This white dove that I am about to release symbolizes various elements God wants us to have in marriage.  Moni and I want these in our union.  

First, the dove is a symbol of freedom—freedom to fly, freedom to be loosed from the confines of earth, freedom to soar in the sky.  God wants us to be free to love, to serve each other and others and God, to find fulfillment in the mate God has given.  

Second, the white dove is a symbol of innocence and purity.  In a world of evil and sin, God calls a husband and wife to be pure and holy, both in courtship and marriage.  Some asked me whether Moni and I lived together before marriage.  Far from it.  Our first kiss was on the wedding day itself!  (We are making up for it now!)  

Third, the white dove is a symbol of peace.  It has often meant peace between nations and peoples.  It may also signify peace in the marriage relationship.  God wants peace, harmony, and accord rather than strife, fighting, discord, and conflict.  Let our marriage and home be a place of peace.  

Fourth, for two thousand years, the white dove has been the symbol of the Spirit of God.  We want the Holy Spirit to actively work in our lives to produce the crown of virtues—love.  He will also produce all of His fruit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Monica and I want these virtues to be found in our personal lives and in our marriage.  

We now release this white dove as an expression of our desire to live in freedom, in purity, in peace, and in the Holy Spirit for Jesus Christ our Lord.