I believe marriage is important. That’s because there are deep, meaningful, biblical reasons for marriage. Marriage is more than just a piece of paper or a contract—it’s a sacred covenant designed by God Himself. So, let’s take a closer look at the purpose of marriage and why it’s such a beautiful part of God’s design!
The Decline of Marriage in America
There are a few reasons that the rates of marriage have fallen over the years in America. Societal changes are probably the most significant reason. Economic changes, advances in things like birth control, and the evolving view of what a family structure can look like are also contributing factors. I found the following written in an article written by Brad Wilcox during my research for this blog post.
“The marriage rate has dropped more than 60% since 1970 — to the point where only about 1 in 2 adults are currently married. What’s more: New demographic projections (Stone 2024) suggest that about 1 in 3 young adults will not marry by age 45 and maybe never marry. This would amount to a new high in the share of unmarried Americans, permanent bachelors and bachelorettes, across the land. The United States is witnessing the “closing of the American heart” with record shares of adults projected to never marry, not have children and otherwise live kinless lives.”
Brad wilcox, The closing of the american heart, deseretnews.com, April 30, 2024
The Impact of the Decline of Marriage in Our Society
More Single-Parent Homes
Fewer marriages usually mean more kids growing up with just one parent, which can make things harder emotionally and financially for everyone involved. Single parents also, understandably, have less involvement in the community.
Less Financial Stability
Married couples often have a financial advantage. When marriage declines, more people are relying on a single income, which can make it tough to build savings or buy a home. This directly impacts the family, but also impacts the costs for society as a whole if single-parent homes need to rely on assistance programs (to be clear, I’m not shaming anyone for this, just an observation).
Changes in How Kids Are Raised
With fewer traditional two-parent homes, parenting styles and expectations are shifting. Some kids may lack consistent role models or feel the effects of parental stress more deeply. Of course, some parents choose to live together as a family and not get married. That would negate this point.
Loneliness and Mental Health Struggles
Of course, not everyone who’s single is lonely. But studies have shown that people in healthy marriages tend to report higher levels of happiness and mental well-being.
Less Social Support for the Elderly
Older people who never married or are divorced might have fewer close connections to lean on, especially if they don’t have kids or extended family nearby. This is not usually something we consider when we’re young. But as we get older, it becomes clearer. My husband has this concern for us since we don’t have children, and I think it’s a legitimate concern.
10 Biblical Reasons for Marriage
1. Marriage is Part of God’s Plan
From the very beginning, marriage was part of God’s plan for human beings. In the Old Testament, the creation of man and woman is described in Genesis, where God made Adam fall into a deep sleep and took a rib to create Eve, declaring, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). This shows that marriage is not just a human idea; it’s a divine institution, part of the created order, meant to reflect God’s love and unity.
2. A Lifelong Commitment
Marriage is designed to be a lifelong commitment, not something to be taken lightly. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reinforces this when He says, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). This sacred covenant is meant to mirror the unity of the spirit between Christ and the church, a bond of peace that shouldn’t be broken easily.
3. A Reflection of God’s Image
When God created man and woman in His own image, He established marriage to reflect that image to the whole world. The unity between a married couple represents the mutual love, respect, and care that are inherent in God’s own image. A healthy marriage, built on God’s principles, serves as a model of God-honoring relationships.
4. An Opportunity for Spiritual Growth
Marriage isn’t just about companionship or love—it’s also a means for spiritual growth. The apostle Paul speaks about marriage as a way to grow closer to God and to live according to His will. Being in close proximity to your spouse allows you to practice godly virtues such as patience, kindness, and forgiveness—the very qualities that make up a great marriage and contribute to a healthy society.
5. Protection Against Sexual Immorality
One of the biblical reasons for marriage is to provide a holy context for sexual intimacy. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 7, stating, “Each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband,” to avoid sexual immorality. The marriage bed is where sexual activity should take place, providing a safe and godly way to express sexual desire.
6. A New Family Unit
Marriage is the foundation of a new family unit. When two people come together in marriage, they leave their parents and create their own family, forming a new bond that is meant to be strong and lasting. This institution of marriage is crucial for the stability and growth of the human race and serves as a building block for healthy family life.
7. Mutual Love and Respect
Marriage is about mutual love and respect. Ephesians 5:33 tells us, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” This mutual respect forms the bedrock of a successful marriage, allowing both partners to grow together in love and faith.
8. A Picture of Christ and the Church
In the New Testament, marriage is described as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Just as Christ is the head of the church, the husband is the head of the wife in a Christian marriage, leading with love, sacrifice, and humility. This beautiful picture serves as a reminder that marriage is about much more than just two people; it’s about glorifying God through a united relationship.
9. A Helper Fit for Each Other
In Genesis, God declares that it is not good for man to be alone, so He created a helper fit for him—a role that wives play in their marriages. But it’s not a one-sided job! Husbands, too, are called to be helpers to their wives, providing love, support, and protection. This mutual assistance is part of God’s design, ensuring that both partners thrive.
10. A Tool for Building a God-Honoring Society
Finally, marriage plays a huge role in building a healthy and God-honoring society. Strong marriages produce strong families, and strong families make for a healthy society. God’s purpose for marriage is not just about the couple but extends to impacting the community and reflecting His love to the whole world.
Final Thoughts
Marriage isn’t always easy; it’s hard work, and there are ups and downs, good times and challenging times. But when you look at the biblical reasons for marriage, you see that it is truly a gift from God—a way to fulfill His purpose, reflect His image, and live out His love. So, if you’re wondering if marriage is worth it, remember that it’s more than just a union between two people—it’s a part of God’s plan and His will for our lives. Believe in marriage because it’s a sacred covenant created by God for our good and His glory!
So, whether you’re married, single, or considering tying the knot, know that marriage is a good thing, a blessed journey that brings us closer to God and closer to each other.
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