A Christian should marry ONLY a Christian woman, but not ANY Christian woman. 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 tells us, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”

Now let’s read 1 Corinthians 7:39, “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” Speaking of the permanence of marriage, we are told that the wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives (with the exception of fornication in Matthew 5:32 and abandonment in 1 Corinthians 7:15). However if the husband is dead, the woman is free to marry, but ONLY IN THE LORD. This principle applies to all believers who marry. Their marriage should be IN THE LORD, or according to the leading of the Lord.

Not all believers are compatible with each other. There are many things to be considered before deciding on a mate. As we stated at the outset, a Christian should ONLY marry a Christian. With that as a foundational requirement, then we can be before the Lord and ask Him to lead us to the one He wants us to be with as our spouse.

However, even if a couple waits on the Lord and are led by Him to marry, that still does not ensure a successful marriage. A couple must not only begin with the Lord, but they must maintain a life together with the Lord. They must constantly depend upon the Lord to keep their marriage strong and God-honoring. Amos 3:3 asks the question, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” A couple must be of ONE MIND in their relationship with the Lord. Both seeking to live for and honor the Lord who brought them together. If that is the case, then you can expect a good marriage with love and respect that continues to grow. When we put the Lord first in our lives and in our marriages, He will bless us with a unity with Himself and with our spouses. (290.10)