The Wall Street Journal (WJS, 1/27/18)reported on a study published in the December 2017 Journal of Happiness Studies and suggested “getting married is one of the best ways to cement a couple’s long-term happiness.”
Using research spanning the past two decades and over 300,000 people, the study sought to discover if marriage causes happiness or if happy people are more likely to get married and stay that way.
The simple conclusion is “a close marital bond spurs long-term happiness.”
The WSJ reporter noted, “That level of commitment, formalized by a ritual and a legal document, may be one reason why the advantages of marriage trump those of just living together.” The article was appropriately titled, “For Happiness That Lasts, Take Those Vows.”
The Bible speaks to the value of the marriage relationship and the strength of the marriage commitment:
- “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
- “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:9)
- “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” (Proverbs 31:10-11)
- “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:31-33)
There are more verses that could be mentioned, but the commitment of a marriage is strong and even stronger when God is present. God’s plan is always best.
Just some thoughts,
