Keller emphasizes that the essence of marriage lies in the power of making and keeping promises. He references Christian ethicist Lewis Smedes, who argues that our identity is largely shaped by the promises we make and keep. Smedes states, 'When a man takes an oath, Meg, he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. And if he opens his fingers then—he needn’t hope to find himself again.' This highlights the profound impact of promises on personal integrity and relational stability. | Timothy Keller | The Meaning of Marriage

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The Power of Promising in Marriage

Keller emphasizes that the essence of marriage lies in the power of making and keeping promises. He references Christian ethicist Lewis Smedes, who argues that our identity is largely shaped by the promises we make and keep. Smedes states, 'When a man takes an oath, Meg, he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. And if he opens his fingers then—he needn’t hope to find himself again.' This highlights the profound impact of promises on personal integrity and relational stability.

-- Timothy Keller