Thriving TogetherSample

Why Marriage Matters (Part 1)

In a day when some seek to redefine the institution of marriage and when divorce and cohabitation are common, does traditional marriage even matter? A diverse group of family scholars answered that question with a yes.

According to The Center for Marriage and Families, there are 26 reasons why marriage matters. The first five reasons relate to family stability itself.

First, marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

Second, cohabitation is not the same as marriage. Cohabiting couples, on average, are less committed, less faithful, and more likely to break up than married couples.

Third, growing up outside an intact marriage increases the likelihood that children will themselves divorce or become unwed parents in adulthood.

Fourth, in almost every known human society, marriage exists to regulate the reproduction of children, families, and culture.

Fifth, marriage typically fosters better romantic and parental relationships than other family forms.

Precious God, after reading these five reasons, it’s obvious to us that Your design continues to be the clear path for family health. Because of Your great love for us and knowing Your design for marriage and family is right, we make this commitment: Our house will serve the Lord!