Marriage is an order of Creation. Our Creator made man and woman, displaying His full image only as both man and woman. Each made for each other, their essential natures being complementary, and brought into oneness in marriage.  

Marriage is an intimate union to which a man and woman consent, consummated and continuously nourished by sexual intercourse, and perfected in a lifelong partnership of mutual love and commitment.  

Marriage is the unity of husband and wife in God's creative will, for from Him come the love and grace which enable them to grow together in life comradeship.  

Marriage is the sacrament of human society. Husband and wife both share and perpetuate their happiness in having and rearing a family within the sphere of their own love and mutual commitment. Thus marriage is more than an end in itself, it is the means to ends outside the married couple.  

Marriage is consummated in intimate union by divine command from God -"Go forth and multiply." It is an outward sign of the inner commitment of love and oneness of being which is recognized as a gift from God.  

Marriage is -to the Christian, a holy covenant in which husband and wife together publicly witness their commitment, not only to each other but together with God, that to the end they shall in unity fulfill His purposes throughout their lives.  

Marriage is "other-person-centered," with each giving and renouncing for the sake of the well-being of the beloved rather than in expectation of return. It is expressed through service, not exploitation.  

Marriage is God's process of making two people one. It is the highest fulfillment of human friendship. It is a type of the Christian's oneness with God in spirit.  

Marriage is . . . Commitment  

What is the basis for marriage? Most would say "love." By love, they mean a romantic feeling toward another. Real love, as defined by Scripture is "out-going concern" for another. More than a mere emotional feeling, true love produces action that proves its care for the other involved. As Paul said "love is not selfish, does not envy, is not jealous and does not seek its own."(1 Cor. 13) "Does not seek its own" means that true love is driven by giving in to self and giving to another according to the divine will of God.  

One Marriage expert lists six traits of "romantic love" that make it a shaky foundation for marriage.  
 

1. Romantic love often overtakes its victim suddenly and unexpectedly. 
2. Being "in love" may distort a person's judgment. 
3. Being "in love" is first and foremost an experience of the emotions. 
4. "Romantic" love is most often an irrational experience. 
5. The experience of "love" may immobilize its victim. 
6. There are evidences of a well-formed delusional system in some romantic encounters. 

Yet despite this, "romantic love" is often made the sole basis for marriage. Is it any wonder why more than half of marriages fail, and more than 60% of second marriages?  

The true Biblical basis for marriage is commitment. Not only to your partner, but to God. God says plainly "I hate divorce!"(Mal.2:16) Jesus said, -"What therefore God has joined together, let no man tear apart."  

MARRIAGE IS... "till death do us part," not "until the going gets rough." It is a lifelong commitment based upon sacred vows uttered in the presence of the Creator of marriage. It is not two people simply living together, but two living as a team ordained by God for the advancement of His glory in commitment to His will.  

Related Links:

"Submission, From Your Will to God's Will" "Adultery, Fornication and Immorality"

Jesus is Lord. Blessed be His Name!