What Does The Bible Say About God Choosing Your Spouse
Introduction:
The Bible is one of the most influential and widely read religious texts in the world. It is a collection of 66 books, written by various authors over a period of more than 1,500 years. These books include historical accounts, poetry, prophecy, and teachings on a wide range of topics. One of the topics that the Bible addresses is marriage, and many Christians believe that God has a plan for their marriage, including choosing their spouse. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about God choosing your spouse.
God’s Sovereignty:
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign, meaning that He is in control of all things. This includes every aspect of our lives, including our marriages. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” This means that if we are living our lives in accordance with God’s will, He will guide us in the decisions we make, including the choice of a spouse.
However, it is important to note that God’s sovereignty does not negate our free will. We are still responsible for our choices and actions, and we must seek God’s guidance in making decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
God’s Plan for Marriage:
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. In Genesis 2:24, it says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” This means that a husband and wife become one unit, both spiritually and physically.
The Bible also teaches that marriage is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” This means that the marriage relationship is meant to be a representation of Christ’s sacrificial love for His people.
God’s Role in Choosing a Spouse:
While the Bible does not explicitly state that God chooses our spouse for us, it does provide guidance on what we should look for in a spouse. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the characteristics of a virtuous woman, and Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”
The Bible also teaches that we should seek God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives, including our relationships. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” This means that we should pray and seek God’s will when it comes to choosing a spouse.
It is important to note that while God may guide us in our decision, we still have free will and must make the choice ourselves. It is also important to remember that God’s plan for our lives may not always be what we expect or desire, and we must trust in His sovereignty.
God’s Purpose for Marriage:
The Bible teaches that marriage has a specific purpose. In Genesis 1:28, it says, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” This means that one purpose of marriage is to have children and raise them in a Godly way.
In addition, marriage is meant to be a partnership. In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, it says, “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” This means that husband and wife are to love and serve one another in all aspects of their lives, including sexually.
The Bible also teaches that marriage is meant to be a picture of Christ’s love for His people. In Ephesians 5:22-33, it says, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” This means that husband and wife are to love and respect each other in a way that reflects Christ’s love for His people.
Practical Application:
So, what does all of this mean for Christians who are seeking a spouse? Here are some practical applications of what the Bible teaches about God choosing your spouse:
Seek God’s guidance in all aspects of your life, including your relationships. Pray and ask for His will to be done in your life.
Look for the characteristics of a Godly spouse, such as faithfulness, honesty, and a love for the Lord.
Remember that God’s plan for your life may not be what you expect or desire. Trust in His sovereignty and seek His guidance in all things.
Marriage is a partnership, so look for someone who is willing to love and serve you as Christ loves His people.
Remember that the purpose of marriage is to glorify God and raise up Godly children.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly state that God chooses our spouse for us, it does provide guidance on what we should look for in a spouse, and encourages us to seek God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, and that it has a specific purpose, including having children, serving one another, and reflecting Christ’s love for His people.
It is important to remember that while God may guide us in our decision, we still have free will and must make the choice ourselves. We must also trust in God’s sovereignty and plan for our lives, even if it is not what we expect or desire.
Overall, the Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will and guidance in all aspects of our lives, including our relationships and marriages. By following God’s plan, we can build strong, loving marriages that honor God and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
Shalom
