Newly married couples who say the wait was worth it

Newly married couples like the Hammack and Burbanks have raised their level of cimmittment even more by vowing not to exchange their first kiss until their wedding day. See what they have to say about why the wait was worth it.

Kelly Durham

David and Amber Hammack - members, Anchor Baptist Church, Grayson

"Before we met, Amber and I had each committed to saving our first kiss for our future spouses. I had been committed to purity my whole life. Amber spent several years dating before God gave her the same commitment to purity. We believe it's important that you have already made a stand for purity before all of the emotions get involved."

During their time together leading up to the wedding, David admits that temptation began to affect both him and his future bride.

"There were a lot of times when we wanted to give in during our engagement, but we wanted to be faithful to our commitment we each made to God, because He is faithful and we believe God would bless our relationship and marriage if we waited - and He has."

David Hammack, whose father is pastor at Anchor Baptist Church, Grayson

Kelly Durham

Scott and Sarah Burbank - members, Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula

"Dating is not a pointless pursuit, but rather a time of preparation for a lifetime commitment in marriage. Sarah and I chose to postpone our first kiss until the altar because we wanted to honor God and display a testimony of purity. We have both had relationships in our pasts in which we had given away our first kiss. And in each instance the 'passion' faded quickly leaving only the empty shell of a relationship. Now being married, Sarah and I have experienced the blessing of God for having kep the marriage bed pure. Our relationship is built on time, trust, work, love, friendship, selflessness, and God's Word rather than lust and desire."

Scott Burbank, associate pastor to high school students, Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula

Related story: Pure & Proud