The True Purpose of Marriage in a Modern World Safe Haven Nurtures

1. The True Purpose of Marriage in a Modern World Introduction Marriage has long been more than a social contract or a legal act. Marriage is, at the end of the day, about love and companionship and creating a safe space where two people can thrive together. However to us in our world today, the purpose of marriage has simple come to be about stuff, accomplishments, and superficiality. Décor is praised more than forever love. So that’s why so many couples find themselves breaking apart from the dieting, debt, and distraction. This blog leads us back to why marriage really matters — what it was intended to be, and its great purpose for families, children and out society — as well as how men and women can rediscover love in a world that has come to devalue so much. 1. What Was Marriage For in the First Place? Marriage has been with us in cultures and faith traditions across the world for centuries. Though specifics change, in most cultures there were a few key principles regarding marriage. • A Covenant of Companionship– two people agreeing to be there for one another.\” • Safe Room– and creating a safe place for kids to grow.

2. • A community Pillar– marriages fortified not only lives of couples but also societies as a whole. From a biblical perspective, marriage mirrors the creation of the universe when it says in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helper suitable for him.’ ” Marriage was never about mere survival or status – it was about partnership, intimacy and purpose. Case Study– Africa In much of Africa, marriages have been viewed as contracts between families, rather than between individuals. The bond also carried an obligation to nurture generations in stability. 2. Society’s Redefining of Marriage: Then and Now Unfortunately, the definition of marriage changed. Rather than being stories about love and loyalty, and the importance of fighting for your survival, contemporary definitions seem to focus on: • What you have(social status, house, car, financial class) • What you can accomplish(achievements, career achievements) • What you can provide(over the top wedding, gifts, lifestyle) Good marriages not material driven If success is good, a marriage based on material is later over- thrilled and sooner destroyed. Case Study – US:Image-led and price before intimacy is driving increasing divorce rates among couples that prefer to choose those who look good and pay well. Too many of those “Instagram- perfect” marriages fall apart when the going gets real. 3. Why Misunderstanding Marriage’s Purpose Harms Families

3. When couples seek the wrong foundation, marriages tremble. Effects include: • Unrealistic Expectations– When love is not based/transactional, partners feel undervalued. • Dysfunctional Homes– Children feel threatened when families fight all the time. • Emotional Disconnect– They feel like they are living with a roommate, not connected as partners. • Rising Divorce & Violence– Where there is no further foundation, stress results in separation or depression or worse yet, violence. Case Study – KenyaSuicide and homicide cases linked to broken marriages are rising, fueled by emotional neglect, infidelity, and economic stress. Read More:Why Men Bottle Up Emotions and How to Break the Silence 4.Rediscovering the Purpose: Love, Respect, and Partnership In order to mend marriages, couples need to go back to three pillars: 1.Love– Not Eros (romance), but Agapé (sacrificial love) (cf 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). 2.Respect– Each person appreciates the other’s voice. 3.Partnership–Marriage is not a competition, it’s about being on the same side. Practical Tips:

4. • scheduleweekly “check-in” meetings/dates and hold discussions outside of finances and chores. • Express gratitude—say one thing you’re grateful for every day. • Committo shared and focused goals (parenting, financial planning, spiritual growth). Case Study — Europe:In Denmark research shows marriages thrive where couples actively prioritize “emotional labor”—checking in, listening, and showing affection consistently. 5. Impact of Strong Marriages on Children and Society Healthy marriages are not only a blessing to couples — they are a gift to children and an investment to strengthening communities. • Kids feel securewhen Mom and Dad lead by example — in love and teamwork. • Stable familiesbring stability to society, reducing crime, suicide and divorce. • Generational cyclesdo shift — and children from stable marriages often mirror those values in their own families. Case Study – USA:Children of divorced parents are twice as likely to suffer depression and anxiety, research finds Those from loving stable homes on the other hand are more likely to exhibit increased resilience and academic achievement. Read More:Shielding Children from Parental Conflict 6. Steps Couples Can Take Today to Recenter Their Marriage Practical actions couples can take: Reread Your Vows— Recall why you made a commitment to each other.

5. Make Time Together a Priority– Just 15 minutes of talking to each other per day makes all the difference. Get Counseling or Mentoring– The best time to seek help is not when you are at your wits end. Make Faith and Values a Part of Couple hood– Praying or meditating together will make you feel more united. Call for Action It’s not about what you can bring to marriage, in terms of money or connections. Its essence is in love, respect, friendship and partnership. And when couples rediscover that purpose, they build homes where children flourish, communities grow stronger and families live in peace and hope. If your marriage is under attack, I want you to know that there’s hope for healing and restoration. That begins with honestly communicating, getting outside help and remembering the real reasons you came together in the first place.