The Purpose of Marriage

  

What is the purpose of marriage?

Sometimes when you ask people that, they think it is a trick question.  Most people give some pretty good answers, but rarely do they give the right answer.

So, what is the purpose?

Let's go back to the Garden...

"And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone...And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Gen ch 2)

Thus; the answer—the purpose of marriage—is companionship.

God did not make us to be alone.

Companionship is the essence of marriage, which was designed by God to defeat loneliness. 

Marriage is a God-ordained relationship where there is constant commitment and intimacy.

However, intimacy without the commitment to remain together is not a marriage.  Commitment to stay together without intimacy is equally lacking. Both elements are crucial to defeat loneliness.

When we make our marriage vows we make a covenant (or contract) with God and our spouse to meet the other's need for companionship, and all the benefits that go along with that marital companionship.  Notice however, we do not make a vow to receive companionship. 

Unconditional love, which is only possible when Christ is the center and foundation of a marriage, is an unselfish act of love where one person vows before God to meet their spouses companionship needs for life.

If you find yourself whining, "I'm not getting what I want out of this marriage!" you need to change your way of thinking and then ask God to change your heart.  When we make our marriage vows before God we promise to love, honor and cherish our spouse, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, and for better and for worse.

If you entered into marriage only to "get what you want" you did it for all the wrong (and selfish) reasons.

A godly kind of love always places the needs of our spouse above our own needs. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own..."

Marrying someone just to get what you want out of the relationship is lust, not love. 

The real question is, are you keeping your vow to love, honor and cherish your spouse, even if all of your own needs are not being met?

Jesus said:

"It is far better to give—than to receive."

Marriage is a commitment, and it's for life.

Think of how loved you feel when your spouse continues to unconditionally love you and meet your needs for companionship...even when you are a selfish jerk and you neglect them.  Trust me—you will be more blessed by loving your spouse unconditionally (expecting nothing in return) and meeting their needs, rather than seeking to have your own needs met.

After 32 years of being with my wife, I can truly attest that it is far better to give than to receive. 

 

When we truly understand God's purpose for marriage, we will love our spouse unconditionally, not expecting anything in return.  Loving each other in this way is what truly brings joy to a marriage, and brings glory to God.

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.