Signora Sheila

The topic of marriage came up at a neighborhood dinner this past Christmas, after they learned that my husband and I have been happily married for 43 years. “What’s your secret?” they asked with both incredulity and admiration.

But one middle-aged couple said, “We don’t see the point of getting married. Besides,” he added, “I didn’t want her to run off with all my money like my first wife did.”

So what is the point of marriage?

That couple expressed a sentiment that is increasingly common in today’s society. Probably due, in part, to rising divorce rates and too many examples of marriages gone sour. Does marriage even make sense in today’s society?

Of the other two married couples present, one had by, all appearances, created a marriage based on ‘careers first.’ They live and work in different countries. No children, because as she pointed out, “How could we raise a family?” While also adding, “We’re not convinced about having kids anyway. Too much work.”

She seemed happy with that choice, and I really hope she is. I don’t know about him, as he hadn’t arrived yet to join her for the holidays.

Now I don’t mean to criticize anyone’s choices. And I realize that sometimes things are completely out of our control. But I couldn’t help but wonder two things: “What kind of marriage is that? And how should we respond to their comments?”

How to respond to such objections?

Well, we can show that God had and still has, good plans for marriage! That He established it as the foundation of society. And that marriage done His way creates blessings that benefit couples, families, and society, while deviation from it results in heartache and suffering.

God had, and still has, good plans for marriage! And marriage done His way it brings blessings that benefit, couples, families, and society!

Signora Sheila

God established marriage as a permanent institution in which a man and a woman leave their families and join together in holy matrimony, (Genesis 2:24). They become as one and cling to each for the rest of their lives, (Matthew 19:6).

And it is from this enduring union that God’s rich blessings for couples and families flow.

Seven blessings of marriage God’s way:

1. The gift of Companionship

God understands our deep inner longing for companionship. He created Eve because the loneliness Adam experienced in the Garden was not good for him.

Marriage brought him a lifelong friend, companion, and support for all of life’s ups and downs. Truly blessed is the couple that enjoys this gift!

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

2. Mutual love and respect

A truly godly marriage is built on the love, honor, and respect that God wants us to have for one another. And when both spouses seek concrete ways to show this, the marriage is sure to last!

“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3

3. Loyalty and faithfulness

We have an innate need for stability and someone we can count on to be faithful. A godly marriage fulfills this need when both spouses commit to lovingly stand by each other for life. Ruth demonstrated this kind of loyal faithfulness to her mother-in-law, and undoubtedly carried it into her marriage with Boaz. Have you brought such faithfulness to your marriage?

“But Ruth said, Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” – Ruth 1:16

4. Unity and intimacy

In marriage husband and wife unite on all levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Although they remain individuals, they share beliefs, values, goals, and purpose. Such an intense union requires opening our deepest selves to the other person.

Marital infidelity is so devastating because, in the deepest sense, it’s not only a betrayal of trust, but also a rejection of our inner person. But a marriage built on God’s plan ensures that the great gift of intimate union is cherished and honored, making such intimate sharing one of life’s greatest joys and blessings!

“There is no more lovely, friendly, or charming relationshiop, communion, or company than a good marriage.”

John Seldon

6. Strength and help

In this kind of strong union we find strength and help for our journey through life. We have someone to lift us up when we fall, someone to warm our nights, and someone to help us in times of need. Someone who will stand us with us through thick and thin!

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT

7. A strong home and family

Following God’s plan for marriage creates a strong, stable home and family. A safe nest in which to cherish God’s great gift of children. And it creates an environment where they will want to follow in our footsteps, continuing the cycle of love that will continue to produce the security and stability our societies so desperately need!

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” – Psalm 127:3-5

Marriage, God’s way, is truly the answer to many of the ills that plague today’s unstable and crumbling society. So when people ask, “What’s the point of marriage?” share God’s plan for it!

After all, who wouldn’t want such blessing?

📷 Image credits: couple in field; couple on graphic; couple holding hands; couple embracing; family