Marriage is an essential institution that has been present in almost every culture and religion worldwide. Its goal is to establish a lifelong union between two people who are committed to supporting and caring for each other. The purpose of marriage varies across different cultures, religions, and societies. This article sheds light on the purpose of marriage and its importance.
What is Marriage?
Merriam-Webster defines marriage as “the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as a husband/wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.” It is worth noting that marriage is not limited to heterosexuals as the laws of different countries and states allow same-sex marriage.
Marriage, for many people, represents a romantic commitment between two people in love. For others, it is a partnership based on practicalities like financial stability, companionship, and security. Whatever the reason for getting married, the union provides some essential benefits.
Purpose of Marriage
The purpose of marriage varies across different cultures and religions. However, some of the most common reasons people pursue marriage are:
Companionship and Emotional Support
One of the primary reasons people get married is for companionship and emotional support. Building a life with someone gives individuals the chance to grow and learn together.
Legal Security
Marriage, especially in Western culture, provides couples with a host of legal benefits. From tax breaks to inheritance and insurance covers, marriage presents couples with significant legal security.
Starting a Family
One of the most significant reasons people get married is to start a family. Marriage provides couples with the chance to build a family and raise children in a stable and loving environment.
Religious Obligations
Marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant in most religions. People of faith base their reasons for getting married on religious beliefs and principles. In such faiths, marriage is not just a union between two people but a spiritual connection with a higher power.
Building a Home and Financial Stability
Marriage partners can pool their resources together to purchase properties, start businesses, and build financial security. Coordinating finances is easier as the partners can make joint decisions about purchasing and other significant investments.
Complementarity and Growth
People often look for complementary qualities to balance out their personalities and attributes. In marriage, partners can grow together and fill in gaps that the other lacks. Marriage offers individuals a chance to learn from each other’s best qualities and navigate through their own limitations.
Establishing a Legacy
Marriage provides a platform for individuals to establish their legacy. The couple can build wealth, properties, businesses, and create a family name that can be passed down to generations.
The Importance of Marriage
Marriage has significant benefits for both the couple and society. Marriage is a social institution that promotes emotional and physical health, stability and family values. Some of the primary reasons why marriage is vital include:
Stability
Marriage creates a stable environment that is suitable for raising families. Children need parents who can provide a stable home, and marriage provides that foundation.
Mental Health
Married people tend to have better mental health outcomes than single people. Studies have shown that married people have a lower risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Physical Health
Marriage also plays a significant role in physical health. Married people are likely to live longer, recover quickly from illnesses, and have lower chances of developing critical illnesses like heart diseases, strokes, and cancer.
Economic Stability
Marriage provides couples with a platform to pool their resources together and build economic stability. Financial security is essential in building families and raising children.
Family Values
Marriage promotes family values like commitment, sacrifice, and responsibility. These values are important for building strong families and shaping children’s lives.
The Bottom Line
Marriage is a social institution that has served various purposes across different cultures and religions. The primary goal of marriage is to create a stable union between two individuals committed to supporting and caring for each other. Marriage provides numerous benefits like companionship, legal security, starting a family, religious obligations, financial stability, complementarity, growth, and establishing a legacy. Additionally, marriage promotes emotional and physical health, stability, family values, economic stability, and social cohesion. It is an essential institution that deserves to be respected and protected.
FAQ
Why did God create marriage?
Marriage is a sacred institution that God established in the very beginning of creation. In Genesis 2:24, God said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse expresses God’s intention for marriage – to create a lifelong partnership between a man and a woman.
One of the main reasons why God created marriage is companionship. In Genesis 2:18, God recognized that it was not good for man (Adam) to be alone, so He created a helper suitable for him. Marriage is a partnership where both partners provide support, companionship, and friendship. It is a relationship where two people share their joys and sorrows, dreams and hopes, and walk through life together. Sometimes, we hear people say, “In terms of my life, marrying my husband/wife was the greatest thing that ever happened to me.” This highlights the deep emotional and spiritual connection that marriage provides.
Another reason why God created marriage is for procreation. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve and said, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” Marriage provides a secure and loving environment for raising children, who are a gift from God. The love between the husband and wife models the love of God for His children, and children learn about love, respect, and trust within the family unit.
Marriage is also a reflection of God’s relationship with His people. In Ephesians 5:25-27, the Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” God’s love for His people is sacrificial and selfless, and this is the type of love that husbands should have for their wives.
God created marriage for companionship, procreation, and as a reflection of His relationship with His people. Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, and it is a lifelong commitment that requires love, respect, and trust. Despite the challenges and difficulties that may arise in marriage, the rewards of a loving and fulfilling relationship are worth every effort to make it work.