Entire books have been written to answer the question of “Why get married?” So, it’s futile to think we can fully address the question in a few minutes. But if you’ve never asked yourself what the point of marriage is, it’s worth consideration.
In the same way Scripture commands us to love God and love others as we love ourselves, perhaps marriage can be thought of as an act to love God and others, and to grow ourselves.
Talk to any happily married couple, and they will tell you marriage has humbled them, highlighted their weaknesses, and expanded their capacity to love. In short, marriage has forced them to grow as people. And couples in healthy marriages often express a deep joy that they have found in having a companion to walk through the highs and lows of life with.
Marriage is a gift to the betterment of self.
But marriage viewed only as a means to make you and your spouse happier and healthier is like Leonardo da Vinci painting the body of the Mona Lisa without the face: It’s beautiful, but incomplete.
Studies, such as those reported by the National Library of Medicine, find that married men are less likely to commit crime when married to women without a criminal record, and children who have two parents, whether biological or adopted, are less likely to live in poverty and are more likely to reach higher levels of education and occupational attainment.
Marriage even decreases alcohol use, according to studies.
Marriage gives individuals something to live for that is bigger than self-fulfillment, and that in turn benefits society, aka “others.” It’s no stretch to say a marriage boom across America would do more to reduce crime, end child poverty, and raise living standards than any government program ever could.
The full picture of the purpose of marriage can only be completed in light of God and Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Even if one is not a believer in God, the following may still prove helpful to understanding why marriage is so important to faith-filled communities across the world.
Scripture refers to the Church, those who believe in and follow Jesus, as Christ’s “bride.” Marriage between a man and woman on Earth is intended to be a reflection of Christ’s love and commitment to His bride, the Church.
As the book of Ephesians advises, “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we dive into the purpose of marriage on this week’s edition of the “Problematic Women” podcast. Of course, dating comes before marriage, so we also offer our dating advice and share some highs and lows of modern dating.
Listen to the podcast below:
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