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What can make marriage successful?


Introduction. Unfortunately, too many marriages today are not successful as evidenced by spousal strife, abuse, and high divorce rates. In view of that, many simply choose to live together (sexually) without a formal legal commitment to each other. Let's see how the Bible would answer the question above.

Recognize God's authority. God is the creator of man and woman (Gen. 2). He is also the author of marriage (Gen. 2:23-24; Matt.19:4-6). Given this, God certainly has the knowledge and right to tell us how to have a successful marriage. From the Genesis account we learn that Eve was to be a "help meet" for Adam (KJV, other translations have "helper suitable for him") and subject to him (Gen. 2:18; 3:16). Adam was to leave mother and father, "cleave unto his wife", and provide for her (Gen. 2:18, 24, 3:17-19). Eph. 5: 22-33 expands on the attitudes and behaviors husbands and wives should have toward each other. As ordained by God, marriage is monogamous and permanent. (Matt. 19:4-10; 1 Cor. 7:1-5).

There must be denial of selfishness. One of the paramount cases for failure in marriages is selfishness. The "love" of Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33 is an unselfish love. This love actually has as its action the seeking of what is best for another. 1 Corinthians 7: 3-5 contains teaching which is illustrative of selfishness.

Recognize a spiritual partnership. The ideal marriage is a marriage which is based on strong spiritual conviction and a spiritual foundation (1Pet. 3:7; Matt. 7: 24-28). Both should be Christians – having the same beliefs, goals, and values.

Conclusion. Marriage is a beautiful institution. It is in this union that man and woman find their ultimate social, emotional, and biological fulfillment. Marriage, as established and ordered by God, is desirable and successful.
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