People can’t believe it. It made headlines. A couple decided to have their first kiss on their wedding day. Is that still possible? Who would still create such high and crazy standards?
Meet Joe Bonifacio – pastor and youth leader. Married to an actress – Carla Peralejo.
I attended their wedding last Friday. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever attended – not just because of the scenery and the beach – it was because both Joe and Carla made a decision to love and honor each other.
When Pastor Steve said, ” You may now kiss the bride” – it was their first kiss. It should be or else the pastor should have uttered the words ” You may now kiss AGAIN.”
Joe, for other people is a legend. The love story was too good to be true. A pastor and an actress. Two different worlds.And the crazy rule they made when Joe courted Carla 18 months ago: NO KISS and NO SEX before marriage.
Is it still possible to live a pure and holy life in an age where sex and lust is celebrated?
YES! it is possible!!!! How? What would be the secret?
1. Fear of the Lord – Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If you have a healthy fear of God you would treat the opposite sex as God’s daughter. SACRED. To be handled with care – not sex objects to gratify the flesh but to show God’s unconditional love.
2. Crazy Standards – Joe and Carla decided t have a higher standard not just because they serve a God who is holy but also because Joe knows his weakness just like every other man. I remember when I was courting Thammie how the temptation would be so strong to be physical. I know I could not trust myself so we created standards to help us so that when the heat is on we know the boundaries.
3. Mentors – couples who we are accountable to. Men who I could spill my guts out and be real honest. Men who would understand the temptation and would really challenge you to remain pure.
4. Grace – as much as I have crazy high standards and mentors and the fear of God in me – I believe that it is only by the grace of God that Joe and other men were able to hurdle the challenge to remain sexually pure. It is tough but it is possible.
Titus 2:11 ¶ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
Titus 2:12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self–controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Joe and Carla congratulations!