The Bible does not give us the right time for marriage, neither an ideal age to marry nor a suggested length of engagement. Girls in Bible times typically married in their teens and boys a bit later, but that was cultural, not spiritual. The Bible does give specific characteristics that men and women should strive for in a healthy marriage. It would be best if these characteristics were at least understood and accepted before the wedding took place.
The right time for marriage is when both the man and the woman are prepared to leave their families and join with their new spouse (Ephesians 5:31). It may take time for individuals to feel like they are one in their marriage, that they have developed emotional distance from their parents and really bonded with their spouse. But it's imperative that both the man and woman understand that this is required for marriage, and be willing to see it through.
Men should love their wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25). There is nothing like a new family member�spouse or child�to show us how selfish we really are. If a man cannot sacrifice his wants and desires for the benefit of his girlfriend, it's likely not the right time for marriage.
Women should respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). Far too many women marry the man they can boss around. Marriage isn't an opportunity for a woman to arrange things so her needs are met. It's an opportunity for a man and woman to join together and take care of each other. If a woman doesn't respect her boyfriend, she has no business marrying him.
It may be the right time for marriage when both individuals have the maturity to make a commitment and stick to it (1 Corinthians 7:10). God created the marriage commitment (Mark 10:9). God defined marriage. When two people agree to marry, they need to understand they aren't setting the terms; God did.
Men and women should also have the humility and courage to support and provide for their spouse (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:4). We cannot be God to our partner�we cannot meet all of his or her needs. If things happen that threaten our ability to love and respect, however, we need the humility to acknowledge the problem and the courage to seek help. That help could come through a counselor (Titus 2:4-5), a doctor, or even simple direct communication with one another. The ability to communicate and the humility to seek help will grow as trust grows in the relationship, but the couple should understand this is a vital part of any marriage.
In addition to the heart issues, practical matters will influence the right time for marriage. Housing, income, and children are all important considerations. Not everything needs to be completely settled, but the couple should at least identify the major issues and how they plan on resolving them. Premarital counseling is vitally important, and should be sought out by every couple who plans to marry.
No one is fully "ready" for marriage, any more than we can be fully sanctified on earth. Good relationships grow and improve every year. But the realities of married life go much more smoothly when the couple's hearts are loving and respectful (Philippians 2:3-4).
Men and Women must obey the Word of God to start with.
Therein is the foundation laid, which is obedience to the Word of God.
Women are commanded to be silent in the churches and be submissive to their husbands. Both take a woman out of the world and from listening to the garbage that is in the world. Furthermore, men are to be the priests to their wives who are the tabernacles, both have to see their obedience as being unto God.
No offense, but this stuff that where men and women are told "marriages have to be worked at", that is a lie that is designed to make the marriage look weak and an abysmal failure to start with.
Can you imagine entering into a union, where you are told, "Oh loo your love will not last, and all of those romantic nights will fade, but you need to set a night aside for each other, so you can work on your relationship.
How awfully terrible~
How pathetic to think that such is a union sent by God. What a curse to think that God sent someone to you, who was not the best person you are ever going to find in this world, to mimic His love. Marriage is to be entered by two people who are mature believers who love God more than life, and will equally obey until they die.
Now, when two are laid on the Word, and anchored to it, they will have a marriage that will endure all storms of life..
Men and Women must obey the Word of God to start with.
Therein is the foundation laid, which is obedience to the Word of God.
Women are commanded to be silent in the churches and be submissive to their husbands. Both take a woman out of the world and from listening to the garbage that is in the world, and make her submissive to her husband and lord. Furthermore, men are to be the priests to their wives who are the tabernacles, both have to see their obedience as being unto God.
No offense, but this stuff where men and women are told "marriages are not perfect and have to be worked at"; that is a lie that is designed to make the marriage look weak and an abysmal failure, to start with.
Can you imagine entering into a union, where you are told, "Oh, look your love will not last, and all of those romantic nights will fade, but you need to set a night aside for each other, so you can work on your relationship".
How awfully terrible~
How pathetic to think that such is a union sent by God. What a curse to think that God sent someone to you, who was not the best person you are ever going to find in this world, to mimic His love.
Marriage is to be entered by two people who are mature believers who love God more than life, and will equally obey until they die.
Now, when two are laid on the Word, and anchored to it, they will have a marriage that will endure all storms of life..
