The Wedding Garment: A Call to Character Transformation in Turbulent Times

Do you ever feel a longing for something more, even after years of working hard and upholding strong values? Maybe life feels empty despite your efforts, and you crave a change that truly matters. Jesus speaks directly to this feeling in one of His parables in Matthew 22, where He uses a wedding feast to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth.

The Wedding Feast Parable

Jesus describes a king who prepares a lavish wedding feast for his son. He sends out invitations, but those invited refuse to come. Eventually, the king opens the invitation to anyone willing to come, both "good and bad," filling the wedding hall. But when the king enters, he notices a man without wedding clothes. The man is speechless, and the king orders him to be cast out into darkness.

What does this parable mean for us? It’s about how God calls us to a spiritual celebration—the union of our lives with Christ. The wedding garment symbolizes our character, specifically the character of Christ, which He offers to each of us as a gift. As Ellen G. White writes:

"By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ's true followers will possess. ... It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour." (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 310)

The garment isn’t earned through hard work or moral effort. It’s a transformation of our hearts through faith in Jesus.

The Struggle for Change

We know that change is hard. In his book How People Change, Allen Wheelis writes, “In a condition of struggle and of failure we must be able to say, ‘I must try harder,’ or ‘I must try differently.’ Both views are essential.” But it boils down to a crucial choice: Will we allow God to transform us, or will we resist?

A Modern Test of Character

Think about recent events, like the past few election cycles. Political debates, news media, and social issues often tap into our deepest values—freedom, safety, justice. These debates stir anger and outrage, dividing even people of faith. Two believers can stand on opposite sides, attacking each other with vitriol, rather than showing Christ-like love. But maybe the point of these events isn’t about who’s right. Maybe it’s a test of our character.

Ellen G. White says, “The wedding garment represents the character which all must possess who shall be accounted fit guests for the wedding.”(Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 471) Are we clothing ourselves in Christ’s character, or are we letting our values become a battleground?

Responding Like Jesus

Jesus taught that His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36). His followers live differently: They turn the other cheek, give generously, and even pray for their enemies. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) reveals what kingdom people look like—humble, peaceful, and merciful, even when the world around them is filled with conflict.

The spirit of God’s kingdom is opposite to what’s common in society. This world encourages us to fight for our beliefs in harsh ways, but Jesus calls us to act, think, and love differently.

A Training Ground for Character

The turmoil of our time, especially during heated debates or elections, can serve as a training ground for our character. Will we respond in outrage, or will we respond like Jesus? In the Garden of Gethsemane, when confronted by a mob, Jesus told Peter to put away his sword. Though He had all power, He humbly submitted and trusted God’s will.

Paul writes, “Be fully persuaded in your own mind” (Romans 14:5), reminding us that our decisions—like whom to vote for—are secondary to how we treat others. Are we loving, respectful, and Christ-like, even when others disagree with us? Jesus calls us to reject outrage, embrace love, and pray for those who oppose us. Our true reward is a place at His wedding banquet, where we will be united with Him.

So, put on the wedding garment. Choose daily to let Christ’s character transform you. The world needs people of faith who shine with the love and peace of Jesus, even in the darkest of times. Let’s be those people.