Wedding Sermon on Ruth 1:16–17
Quick Summary
A Christian wedding sermon rooted in Ruth 1:16–17, exploring loyalty, shared journeys, and the covenantal love that strengthens a marriage through every season of life.
Introduction
Some passages in Scripture speak to faithfulness with quiet power. Ruth’s words to Naomi are among the most beautiful expressions of committed love found in the Bible. Though spoken between two family members, these words echo the heart of Christian marriage. They reveal a love that chooses to stay, a love that walks alongside another person through joy and sorrow, and a love that understands covenant not as a feeling but as a promise. This sermon invites the couple to begin their life together shaped by Ruth’s remarkable vow.
Wedding Sermon
Ruth said, “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). These words were spoken during a moment of deep uncertainty. Ruth and Naomi were facing loss, displacement, and an unknown future. Even so, Ruth offered a vow marked by courage and tenderness. She promised not only companionship, but solidarity. She promised not only to walk with Naomi, but to share in her life fully.
In Christian marriage, a similar promise is made. Two people stand before God and declare that their lives will now be joined. Not in a way that erases individuality, but in a way that creates a shared path. “Where you go, I will go” becomes a way of saying that the journey ahead will be taken together, in trust and in grace. Each person brings their story, their strengths, and their hopes. Marriage weaves those stories into a single unfolding future.
Ruth’s vow continues: “Your people shall be my people” (Ruth 1:16). This is a promise of belonging. Marriage creates a new household, one that draws from two families, two traditions, and two ways of seeing the world. It can be joyful. It can also require patience. Ruth’s willingness to embrace Naomi’s people reminds us that love remains open to learning. It welcomes difference. It seeks understanding rather than insisting on sameness. A marriage marked by this spirit becomes a place where both people feel seen and valued.
Ruth then speaks the most profound part of her vow: “Your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16). This is the spiritual heart of Christian marriage. A home grounded in faith does not avoid struggle, but it gains strength to endure it. When God anchors a marriage, hope is not fragile. Grace is not scarce. Forgiveness is not withheld. God’s presence becomes the steadying force beneath the vows, guiding the couple through seasons of joy and seasons of challenge.
Ruth’s final words reveal the depth of her commitment: “Where you die, I will die, there will I be buried” (Ruth 1:17). These are words of enduring devotion. Marriage is not only for the bright moments. It is also for the quiet evenings, the unexpected sorrows, and the simple days that form the majority of life. To promise lifelong companionship is to trust that love can mature, deepen, and grow resilient.
Ruth’s story ultimately becomes one of restoration and hope. Her faithfulness leads to a future she could not have imagined. In the same way, the vows spoken today open the door to a future still unfolding. Love may begin with celebration, but it grows stronger through the shared experiences that shape a life together. Christian marriage asks for tenderness, honesty, courage, and patience. Ruth’s vow shows how these qualities create a lasting bond.
As this couple begins their marriage, may Ruth’s words become a blessing over their life together. May they walk with one another in trust. May they welcome one another’s families and traditions. May their home be grounded in faith. And may their love deepen through every season, guided by the God who remains faithful always.
FAQs
Why is Ruth 1:16–17 used in weddings?
It expresses profound covenantal love, loyalty, and shared commitment, making it fitting for Christian marriage.
Is this sermon suitable for outdoor or nontraditional ceremonies?
Yes. Its tone and message work in many Christian wedding settings.
How long is this sermon when spoken aloud?
Approximately five to six minutes, depending on pacing.
