When choosing such a partner, the one extra factor that practising Christians would look for is that they be of the same religion. A relationship between two people of different religions may lead to problems in the future such as the wedding ceremony and the religion of any children that they may have. Two people of the same religion would share similar beliefs and thoughts.
Christians believe that commitment is best shown by getting married. One reason why they would aim not just to live with their partner is that in Mark 10 v 6-9 it says “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. What therefore God has put together, let no man put asunder.” This means that the purpose of a marriage is for a man and woman to come together as one and nothing and no one can break them apart.
Another reason is that Christians disagree with pre-marital sex, so if the couple just lived together then there would be temptation for this.
The last reason is that pre-marital sex may lead to children. Christians believe that children should be brought up in a secure environment i.e. married parents. If children are brought up outside of marriage then this goes against the bible.
Christians believe marriage is a sacrament. This means that Christians believe marriage is something made by God, that others cannot dissolve. This belief may affect their relationship now and in the future by making the couple work hard at their relationship, because God has put them together and blessed their marriage. In Ephesians 5 v 22-23 is says “Wives, be subject to your husband as to the lord… husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself up for her…So husbands ought to love their own wives as their on bodies…For this cause a man shall leave his Mother and Father, and shall be united to this wife, and become one flesh with her.” This means that the relationship between husband and wife should be the same as that of God and his church.
An event in Jesus’ life that would make them think that he’d be pleased they were planning to marry is told in John 2 v 1-11. This talks about how Jesus had been invited to a wedding in Cana, Galilee with his disciples and his mother. During the wedding the wine ran out so Jesus took six stone water jars and asked the servants to fill them with water. They did so and Jesus then asked them to give a glass to the master of the banquet. When he took a sip he complimented on the good wine. Jesus had performed a miracle. He had turned all the water into wine. He did this because he didn’t want to spoil the wedding. This shows that the marriage must have been important to Jesus.
I think a Christian couple would want the marriage service to be in church. This is because the church is God’s house, the vows are being made in front of God and the marriage is being blessed by God.
If a Christian couple suffer difficulties they might turn for advice about married life God when they pray. They may ask Christian couple because they may have had the same problem and overcome it. A vicar, priest or leader may guide them because they may have advice from the Bible. They could also contact an organisation called RELATE because they are there especially for Christians that are having problems and need advice.
A Christian couple may pray to God for advice about their relationship because God is able to guide the relationship through prayer.
The principles that Christians believe should guide their relationship are:
- Not having pre-marital sex
- Be faithful
- Trust each other
- If you have problems, ask for advice
- Read passages in the Bible to help you guide your relationship
