Why God Made Marriage
Scripture Reading — Genesis 2:15-18
God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18
A recent Larry King Live show featured several celebrity women who had formed an “ex-wives club.” Most of them had been married more than once, yet they all agreed that marriage was not so special. That prompted Larry King to ask, “If marriage is not special, why try it for a second or third time?”
The answer to that question is found, at least in part, in Genesis 2:18, where God says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Adam needed a companion. Without the woman, Adam was lonely. So God brought Eve into his life to make him more complete. God gave Adam a lifelong partner with whom he could have a meaningful, intimate relationship.
Through marriage, God gives us a companion to share all of the experiences of life. A spouse is someone who understands us, someone who is there for us every step of the way. The gift of marriage is intended to give us a companion who can make us more complete and with whom we can share the deepest joys, fears, and yearnings of our souls. In addition, God intended it to be a relationship for life.
If you are contemplating marriage, choose someone who can be that kind of companion to you on life’s journey. And if you are married, nurture carefully your heart-to-heart relationship with the one God gave you.
Lord, we thank you for our marriage partners. May we help and encourage each other. Where relationships struggle, give your healing grace, we pray. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!