Marriage is a sacred union ordained by God between one man and one woman. It is meant to be a lifelong commitment based on unconditional love, trust and faithfulness. However, in today’s world, the meaning and purpose of marriage is often questioned and challenged.
The Bible clearly defines marriage and outlines God’s design for this covenant relationship. According to Scripture, marriage was instituted by God at creation when He brought Adam and Eve together (Genesis 2:18-24). It serves several important purposes including intimacy, companionship, mutual support, procreation and reflecting Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).
Marriage is still relevant and valid today because it meets our fundamental human needs for connection, belonging, and family stability. Studies show married people experience better physical and mental health, live longer, have better sex lives, and raise happier children compared to unmarried individuals. God designed marriage for our good and His glory.
However, many people today view marriage as unnecessary, restrictive or obsolete. Some common arguments against marriage include:
- People can find intimacy without marriage
- It limits personal freedom and independence
- High divorce rates show it doesn’t last
- It’s just a piece of paper and legal status
- Singles can lead fulfilling lives without it
Despite these claims, most research reveals the profound benefits of lifelong marital commitment. Marriage and family provide meaning, stability and social cohesion. Stats show most singles still desire to marry. God’s design for marriage meets our deepest needs.
What does the Bible say about marriage?
The Bible provides extensive guidance for marriage roles and responsibilities. Key principles include:
- God instituted marriage – It is part of His perfect design (Genesis 2:24)
- For intimate companionship – Meeting emotional and physical needs (Genesis 2:18)
- As a covenant – Bound by sacred vows before God (Malachi 2:14)
- For good of spouse – Mutual love and sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25-30)
- For producing godly offspring – Raising children in the Lord (Malachi 2:15)
- Reflecting Christ’s love – Self-giving love for the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32)
- Requiring faithfulness – No adultery allowed (Exodus 20:14)
- Bound for life – Lifelong union until death (Mark 10:2-10)
- Allowing for separation, not divorce – Only for adultery or abandonment (Matthew 19:8-9)
Additional Bible verses about marriage include:
Genesis 2:24 – Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Proverbs 18:22 – He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 – The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1 Peter 3:7 – Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
What are common marital problems and how to overcome them biblically?
Even godly marriages encounter challenges and difficulties. Common marital problems include:
- Lack of communication – Resolve through honest, open sharing (Ephesians 4:15)
- Unrealistic expectations – Have grace and acceptance (Proverbs 10:12)
- Financial stress – Seek God’s provision and be content (Hebrews 13:5)
- Intimacy issues – Prioritize intimacy and serve each other (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
- Selfishness – Imitate Christ’s self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Conflict – Offer forgiveness and seek reconciliation (Colossians 3:13)
- Busyness – Make marriage a priority over work (Exodus 20:8-10)
- Infidelity – Seek counsel and repentance (Psalm 51:1-4)
- Abuse – Establish safety then provide help (Romans 12:18)
- Addiction – Support sobriety and recovery (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Overcoming marital problems requires:
- Communication – Listen, understand, self-disclose (James 1:19)
- Compromise – Mutual give and take (Philippians 2:4)
- Commitment – Keep covenant vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)
- Counseling – Seek mentors and therapists if needed (Proverbs 11:14)
- Christ – Rely on Him as foundation (Matthew 7:24-27)
With Jesus at the center, patience and mutual care, every marriage can grow stronger.
How can unmarried Christians live a fulfilling life?
For those who are unmarried, there are many ways to live a satisfying and God-honoring life including:
- Develop relationship with Jesus – Our true source of joy (Psalm 16:11)
- Invest in family and friends – For meaningful connections (Proverbs 18:24)
- Serve in ministry – Use gifts to help others (1 Peter 4:10)
- Pursue education and career – For purpose and provision (Colossians 3:23)
- Engage in hobbies – For enjoyment and rest (Mark 6:31)
- Volunteer to help needy – Care for the disadvantaged (Galatians 6:2)
- Wait on God’s timing for marriage – If it’s His will (Psalm 62:5)
With an eternal perspective, singleness can be appreciated as a season for unique opportunities to serve God without distraction. Unmarried Christians can bear witness to the sufficiency of Christ above all earthly relationships. God promises to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
How should Christians approach dating and relationships?
Dating and relationships for Christians should have the end goal of discerning suitability for biblical marriage. Critical principles include:
- Date only believers – Do not be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14)
- Guard hearts – Avoid improper emotional bonds (Proverbs 4:23)
- Maintain purity – No sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
- Seek godly qualities – Focus on character over looks (1 Samuel 16:7)
- Involve community – Seek advice and accountability (Proverbs 11:14)
- Assess readiness – Consider maturity and life stage (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
- Evaluate compatibility – In faith, values, life vision (Amos 3:3)
- Proceed slowly – Allow relationships to develop in stages (Song of Songs 2:7)
Dating should be approached with wisdom, self-control, and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The goal must be honoring God in all interactions.
How can married couples keep their relationship strong for life?
According to Scripture, married couples can strengthen their bond and enjoy a lifetime of love by:
- Keeping God at the center – Daily pray and study Scripture together (Joshua 24:15)
- Showing grace and forgiveness – Bear with each other’s flaws (Colossians 3:13)
- Communicating openly and honestly – Share feelings without judgment (Ephesians 4:15)
- Being intimate frequently – Prioritize physical and emotional connection (1 Corinthians 7:5)
- Making time for fun – Enjoy activities and pursue common interests (Ecclesiastes 9:9)
- Pursuing growth together – Attend retreats, classes and counseling as needed (Proverbs 27:17)
- Establishing healthy habits – Like regular date nights, yearly getaways, and family traditions (Song of Solomon 2:8-13)
- Serving together – Volunteer, host guests, care for others (Hebrews 13:16)
- Appreciating differences – Value each other’s unique qualities (Genesis 1:27)
Marriages centered on Christ, with both spouses committed to lifelong love and sacrifice, will thrive for decades.
Conclusion
In a culture that increasingly questions the need for marriage, the Bible reminds us that marriage remains a sacred, lifelong covenant established by God for our joy and His glory. Though not without challenges, marriage meets our deepest needs for companionship, family, and intimacy with another. Singleness also has purpose and value in the Lord. Whether single or married, all believers are called to live for Christ and find identity in Him alone.
