God’s Plan for Marriage

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

But one middle-aged couple stated, “We see no point in getting married. And besides,” he added, “I didn’t want her running off with all my money like my first wife did.”

So what is the point of marriage?

That couple voiced a sentiment increasingly common in today’s society. Likely caused, in part, by rising divorce rates and too many examples of marriages gone sour. Does marriage have a point at all in today’s society?

Of the other two married couples present, one had from all appearances, created a marriage based on ‘careers first.’ They live and work in separate nations. 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 their career-first choice, and I truly hope she is. I don’t know about him, as he hadn’t yet arrived to join her for the holidays.

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

How to respond to objections?

What response can we give regarding objections to marriage?

Well, we can show that God had and still has, good plans for marriage! That he instituted it as a bedrock foundation for society. And that marriage done his way creates blessings which 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 creates blessings which benefit, couples, families, and society!

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God established marriage as a permanent institution in which man and wife leave their families and join together, (Genesis 2:24). They become as one clinging together for life, (Matthew 19:6). And it is out of this permanent union that God’s rich blessings for couples and families flow.

Seven blessings from marriage God’s way:

1. The gift of Companionship

God comprehends our deep inner longing for companionship. He created Eve because the solitude Adam experienced in the garden was not good for him. And he then presented her to Adam as a gift. A lifetime friend to share with, converse with, and a support for all of life’s ups and downs. Truly blessed is the couple who enjoy 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 ESV

2. Mutual love and respect

A truly godly marriage is built upon the love, honor, and respect God wants us to have for each other. And when both spouses seek concrete ways to show these 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 ESV

3. Loyalty and faithfulness

We have an innate need of stability and someone we can count on to remain faithful. A godly marriage meets this need when both spouses commit to lovingly stand by each other through 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 devoted loyalty into 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 ESV

4. Unity and intimacy

In marriage husband and wife unite at all levels: physical, emotional, and mental. While still remaining individuals, they share beliefs, values, goals, and purpose. Such intense union requires opening our deepest self to the other person.

Marital infidelity creates such great devastation because in the deepest sense it’s not only a betrayal of trust, but a rejection of our inner person. But a marriage built on God’s plan ensures that the great gift of close union will be treasured and honored, turning such intimate sharing into 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 when we fall, to warm our nights, and a help in times of trouble. Someone who will stand with us through thick and thin!

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. f 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 secure nest in which to cherish God’s great of children. And an environment where they will want to follow in our footsteps, continuing the circle of love that will keep producing the safety 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 ESV

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

Because, after all, who wouldn’t want so much blessing?

Couple walking by Pexels | Couple on graphic by Burst |Couple walking on street by Crew | Couple embracing by StockSnap | Family by Jill Wellington.