Why Get Married?

This is an excerpt from a longer article discussing marriage and its importance to us as believers and as members of our society. Take a few moments to consider these points:

1. Commitment and covenant — God created marriage to be an unbreakable covenant. In this lifelong commitment, there is safety in knowing that no matter what comes your way—sickness or health, poverty or riches, disaster or celebration—your spouse is there for you, committed to loving you, and seeking your best.
2. Companionship and support — God said it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Marriage creates built-in companionship and committed support for all life’s ups and downs. You are seen and loved for who you are. Encouragement, a different perspective, a listening ear, etc., also help sharpen you into the man or woman God has made you to be (Proverbs 27:17). Husband and wife can run the race of life with endurance (Hebrews 12:1), on mission together.
3. Stable families — Families are the building blocks of society, and families begin with a husband and wife. God brought man and woman together in marriage in part to produce godly children (Genesis 1:26–28; 2:22–24; Malachi 2:15). Stable families give children the stability to thrive. Stable families create stable societies.
4. Intimacy — Marriages are meant to thrive in safety and security, being naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). This applies not just sexually but spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Intimacy in a healthy, godly marriage grows stronger with time.
5. Christlikeness — Marriage is a unique setting of two becoming one. In this committed, loving, and intimate relationship, men and women can allow their sin to be exposed and can experience a loving environment where they can grow in Christlikeness.
6. Christ and the Church — Marriage represents Christ and His relationship to the Church (Ephesians 5:22-32). A godly marriage is a powerful evangelistic tool to reach the world.

While marriage is a gift that God intentionally designed with specific purposes, there is no command in Scripture that everyone must be married. In fact, the apostle Paul favored singleness as a way to devote more time to serving God (1 Corinthians 7:7-9, 32-35). There are some who do not feel the need to be married and some who end up not finding a suitable spouse, and there is nothing wrong with that. Single people reflect and bear God’s image and can have fulfilling lives as well. They can find emotional support through friends, family, and ministry opportunities. However, our society has begun to equate singleness with sexual immorality, and that is very wrong. Paul’s promotion of singleness was so a person could devote his or her full attention to the things of Christ. Singleness should never be used as an excuse to live in sexual sin. But if a single person can control his or her passions and live a morally pure life, there is no need to feel pressured to marry (1 Corinthians 7:37). God can be glorified whether we are married or not married.

For those who do marry, marriage is still equally valid and to be honored as it was back in the Garden of Eden. As Paul urges all believers to live, may the husband and wife “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). As we follow God’s design and purposes, may our marriages reflect the character, love, and unity of God.