Read 1 Corinthians 7:25–40
A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:39

It is God’s will that the marriage union be permanent, a lifetime commitment. There is no place in Christian marriage for a “trial marriage,” nor is there any room for the “escape-hatch” attitude: “If the marriage doesn’t work, we can always get a divorce.” For this reason, marriage must be built on something sturdier than good looks, money, romantic excitement, and social acceptance. There must be Christian commitment, character, and maturity. There must be a willingness to grow, to learn from each other, to forgive and forget, to minister to one another.

Paul closed the section by telling the widows that they were free to marry, but the man they marry “must belong to the Lord” (v. 39). This means that they must not only marry believers, but marry in the will of God. God has put “walls” around marriage, not to make it a prison, but to make it a safe fortress. When two people are lovingly and joyfully committed to each other—and to their Lord—the experience of marriage is one of enrichment and fulfillment.

Something to Ponder
What role does (or should) Christian commitment play in marriage?