In Western culture, marriage comes with dream and expectation. We marry because we are attracted by the appealing qualities of our soul mate. When honeymoon period is over and our expectation on one another failed, many choose separation or divorce and move on. In the global village we live today, it is interesting to know that more than half of the marriages in the world are arranged marriage. In arranged marriage, two persons are united together without much expectation except try to make the marriage works. Judging from the marriage failure rates in Western culture, it appears that arranged marriages work better for the intended purpose of marriage.
I don’t expect arrange marriage will gain favour in our society. Before we discount the merit of arranged marriage, let consider the spirit of an arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage, two unrelated individuals try to work out a meaningful relationship and to make it works. They start with little expectation from one another. They learn to accept and love one another over time. There is no guarantee that the marriage is a happy marriage, they have no choice but to make it works. Arranged marriages are not romantic, but many do succeed through perseverance and mutual respect.
If we believe God has a role in marriage, Christian marriage can be considered as arranged marriage. God put two persons together for a purpose. It is not by chance or by choice. Two people are called by God to build a God centred family. A God centred family is built on God’s value. The foundation of a marriage will be weakened if we allow family value being changed from God centred family to world centred family. We need to rediscover the hidden treasure in a God ordained marriage. God did not design a failed marriage. A failed marriage is result of our unwillingness to let God to be the centre of our lives.
Walter
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