10 Bible Verses for Marriage
There are over 500 verses in the Bible as a whole related to marriage. Here are just ten of them. Some of them may surprise you, some of them may challenge you, hopefully all of them will provide encouragement, insight and wisdom.
Genesis 2:18, 21-24
And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him’….And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
1 Corinthians 7:1-2
It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
Ephesians 5:31
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Ephesians 5:21-25
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Exodus 21:3
If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.
Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Colossians 3:18-19
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
Matthew 19:4-6
And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Ephesians 5:28
So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
The Average Cost of A Wedding
Very few days have as big an impact on a person’s life as their wedding day. In many ways, it’s not at all surprising that this life-changing event often comes about through some serious spending as brides and grooms seek to make it full of memories that they’ll cherish forever.
Although the recession caused wedding spending to take a hit in recent years, it is slowly on the rise again and fewer couples are claiming that the economy has impacted their wedding budgets.
Average Cost of a Wedding
A 2010 survey of nearly 19,000 brides by the popular wedding website The Knot revealed that the average cost of a wedding in the United States is approximately $27,000. This number takes into account the one in five brides who spend over $30,000 on their wedding and the 12 percent who spend over $40,000. This figure also varies greatly depending on location; couples in Manhattan spend an average of over $70,000 on their nuptials, while brides and grooms in Utah shell out just over $13,000.
The Engagement Ring
The purchase that kicks off wedding spending is often one of the largest expenses involved: the average amount spent for an engagement ring is $5,392. This average takes into account both rings that are bought on a tight budget, such as sterling silver styles or those featuring white topaz or cubic zirconia, and those at the other end of the spending spectrum, such as platinum rings with numerous sizeable diamonds.
Unlike the cash that’s poured into a reception venue or wedding flowers, the money that’s used to purchase an engagement ring gives the bride a lasting symbol of love and an object of beauty. Few aspects of a wedding will last long after the big day, except in photographs, but the engagement ring endures, making it an investment rather than something to enjoy for just hours.
The Wedding Band
Wedding bands are also investments, although most couples spend considerably less on both of these rings than on an engagement ring. The average cost of a wedding band for the bride is $1,129, and for a band for the groom, it’s a little less: $907. Like the average cost of an engagement ring, these numbers take into account both budget purchases and splurges.
Interestingly, when spending on other aspects of a wedding dropped due to the recession, spending on wedding rings rose. As couples cut back on bigger-ticker items such as a reception venue and a band, they invested more money in lasting symbols of commitment—ones that will endure through richer or poorer.
Average spending on wedding jewelry totals over $7,400, but the true worth of these pieces can’t be given a price tag. They’re daily reminders of your love and your promise to keep on loving no matter what.
The Wedding Dress
While a wedding dress may be thought of by many to be a big expense, it rates well below many other wedding expenses. Brides spend an average of approximately $1,100 on gown, less than they do on flowers and décor, a ceremony site or a videographer.
Wedding Photographer
Hiring a photographer costs an average of over twice as much as a wedding dress, with the price of preserving memories in pictures cashing in at about $2,300. Spending on a videographer is considerably less, averaging under $1,500.
Wedding Ceremony & Decor
Most couples spend much less for their wedding ceremony than they do for the reception. They shell out an average of $500 for music for the ceremony, as well as $1,400 for the ceremony site, less than an eighth of what they spend on the site of the reception. The ceremony site is also less costly than flowers and other décor, on which couples spend an average of $2,000.
The Reception, Music, Transportation
The biggest wedding expense by far is the reception venue, which costs, on average, over $12,000. Hiring a band for the reception also requires some serious cash, with couples spending about $3,000 for live music. Those who choose to hire a DJ instead save over $2,000: a DJ costs an average of just $900. Although not all couples choose to hire a limousine or transportation service or rent a car to take them to their reception, their spending on wedding day transportation costs averages at $667.
The average couple spends $149 per guest on their wedding, and with an average of 141 guests this adds up. However, with nearly a quarter of couples choosing to have destination weddings, guests often spend at least this amount on overnight accommodations, not to mention the cost of travel.
Wedding Invitations
No matter where the wedding is held, asking guests to attend costs relatively little, with the average cost of wedding invitations adding up to just over $350.
Wedding Favors & Catering
Favors are an even smaller expense, with the average couple spending just $222 for guests’ take-home goodies. Catering makes up a large percentage of spending on guests; an average of $61 per head is paid for catering services. The wedding cake is a comparatively small expenditure, averaging $540, with the majority of couples opting for a traditional tiered cake.
Couples also spend a bit on feeding those involved in their wedding at the rehearsal dinner. On average, this meal sets them back $1,127.
Wedding Planner
So, how does a couple decide exactly how they’ll be spending their wedding budget? Often, it’s with the help of a wedding planner. One in three brides hires such an individual to help them coordinate their big day, a service which costs an average of $1,753.
The Honeymoon
In addition to the money that’s spent on the wedding itself, couples shell out significant dough for a honeymoon: an average of over $4,450 for a trip that’s an average of eight days long, not including travel time. At over $500 per day, this trip isn’t cheap, and a contributing factor is the fact that more than seven in 10 couples travel outside of the continental United States. While most couples pay for a honeymoon on their own (as opposed to receiving funding from parents, as is often the case for many aspects of the wedding), 12 percent register for their honeymoon, allowing wedding guests to contribute toward travel costs.
Honeymoon spending seems to have been relatively unaffected by the lackluster economy. In fact, over one in five couples spend more than $6,000 on a post-wedding trip.
With couples spending more than the equivalent of a year’s worth of college, wedding expenses often top the amount that’s poured into a car or even the down payment on a house. However, not all of this cash goes toward once-and-done purchases. The money that’s spent on engagement and wedding rings can be considered an investment, with symbols of love and commitment that will last a lifetime as the payoff.
Source of Engagement Ring pictured above: applesofgold.com carries gold jewelry and diamond engagement rings.
Source of Average Cost of A Wedding: TheKnot
Non-Traditional Wedding Rings from applesofgold.com
Your love is anything but ordinary—why settle for a wedding band that’s run of the mill? Non-traditional wedding rings offer a wide array of ways to express the unique love you share through metals options beyond classic gold, silver and platinum, as well as designs that stand out from the crowd.
Several unique metals are often featured in non-traditional wedding rings. Titanium, a non-traditional metals that’s growing in popularity, is strong enough for aircraft but remarkably lightweight. Apples of Gold’s selection of titanium wedding bands includes:
- The Titanium Hammered Wedding Band Ring is available in your choice of three finishes. Its pounded surface gives the classic rounded band an appealing update.
- The Black Titanium Concave Wedding Band Ring features both a unique metal and an out-of-the-ordinary shape. This satin-finish band curves inward from high-polished edges, drawing eyes in with it. The cool, dark color of black titanium oozes class and will last for decades to come. The unique look of black titanium isn’t a finish or coating—it’s a part of the metal itself, which means it will never wear away.
Cobalt is another metal found in some non-traditional wedding rings. Like titanium, cobalt wedding bands are also very strong. In addition, it’s scratch-resistant, shatter-proof and can be polished to an extraordinarily high shine.
- The Cobalt Maltese Black Diamond Cross Ring features both a unique metal and unique stones: black diamonds. Six of these gems accent the center of six carved Maltese crosses. The antiqued finish of this band is both aged and up to date.
- The Plain High-Polished Cobalt Wedding Band showcases the supreme luster of cobalt. The mirror-like shine of this ring is a stunning addition to a traditional design.
Other non-traditional wedding rings combine classic metals with up-to-the-minute designs, giving new life to silver and gold. For example:
- The Two-Halves One Flesh Wedding Band Ring combines two traditional metals—white gold and yellow gold—to form a graceful symbol of the unity between a husband and wife. The two colors curve together in union, creating a modern look that’s full of meaning.
- The Silver Carved Paisley Wedding Band is a prime example of fine artistry and innovative design. Curving carved motifs curl gracefully around this ring, bordered by both beaded and high-polished edges.
From the sleek, modern look of black titanium to the stunning luster of cobalt to the designs that infuse traditional metals with new life, non-traditional wedding rings allow you to express your unique love. Their one-of-a-kind looks are a refreshing way to show that your relationship is like no other.
Fine Jewelry Stores: Apples of Gold Sparkles!
There are countless places where you can purchase jewelry, but fine jewelry stores offer several distinct advantages over a discount store or websites that offer everything from necklaces to fishing lures. Fine jewelry stores offer both the highest quality jewelry and exceptional service—a perfect combination to ensure that you’ll get a piece that will shine for years to come and a shopping experience that leaves you both confident that you made the right choice and sure of your value as a customer.
However, a fine jewelry seller doesn’t have to be a brick and mortar store to offer the finest service and selection. Online jewelry retailer Apples if Gold is a prime example. They describe themselves as a “small business with a big heart,” and the individual attention they give to every piece, and every customer, is evident. Their commitment to integrity, reliability and honesty is demonstrated in their jewelry they sell and in their interactions with those who buy it. They don’t cut corners, and it shows.
Like all true fine jewelry stores, Apples of Gold offers pieces that are crafted from only the finest materials. They specialize in fine gold jewelry, wedding bands, diamond jewelry and gemstone rings, and offer a wide selection of personalized pieces and Christian jewelry. Their offerings include not only jewelry staples, but also many pieces that are hard to find, uniquely beautiful or those that offer out-of-the-ordinary charm. With a selection of over 5,000 styles that’s continually growing, Apples of Gold has a piece for every taste, occasion and price range.
However, Apples of Gold is different from most fine jewelry stores in that they’re committed to value pricing. They cut out the middle man, and because of this they’re able to offer their jewelry at an average of 40 percent less than retail prices. However, this doesn’t mean that Apples of Gold’s jewelry is cheap. They choose every piece based on quality, design, craftsmanship and reliability of the designer, manufacturer or wholesaler, as well as value and price.
Another characteristic of fine jewelry stores is customer service policies that give every person that purchases a piece of jewelry peace of mind. For example, Apples of Gold offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee for everything they sell, as well as a 45-day return policy. In addition, every item is shipped free of charge.
Apples of Gold exemplifies all the characteristics that distinguish fine jewelry stores from other jewelry retailers. Their dedication to providing the best for their customers makes them a standout.
Wedding Favors and Essentials for Your Wedding
TheKnot Wedding Shop is one of the most inclusive websites offering wedding favors, gifts, wedding invitations, and accessories for all of your wedding needs.
For a big brand e-tailor like TheKnot, you would think that prices would be somewhat high, but they are surprisingly not. They accept competitor coupons and have an every day price match guarantee.
They also carry personalized holders & accessories like the colorful, creative wedding holders (shown left). As of 2012, the price for these is about $1.40 per box with personalization!
I was married before I learned of TheKnot.Com; if I had to do it over again, I would definitely go through them for as many of my wedding favors and accessories as possible. Shopping is easy, selection is vast, and prices are cheap!
You may not be able to order your wedding cake or find your wedding bands at TheKnot shop, but you can pretty much find just about everything else!
5 Ways to Deal with Temptation
It’s easy to sit smugly in the first glow of a new relationship or as we return from a glorious honeymoon to believe that our relationship is untouchable. It’s easy to convince ourselves that our marriage will never hit problems, that we will never be tempted to commit adultery or deceive our spouse.
Let’s get real. As Christians we aspire to live as Jesus taught us, we strive to be like Him yet most of us fall short every day, in thought, word or deed in many aspects of our lives. This is no different in relationships. Divorce rates are on the rise among both Christians and non-Christians. The implication is that in some cases temptation is winning the day.
Financial pressures, children, the mundane reality of everyday life, all of them can leave us feeling jaded. We may find ourselves fantasizing about what it might feel like to be with someone else. It may be that we have a specific target of that fantasy. We know it’s wrong, but how can we resist? What can we do about it?
If you are enticed by the seeming allure of extra-marital activity here are five steps you can take to resist the temptation. These steps can apply to all areas of your life.
Repent. Confess your sin and call on Jesus. He was tempted too, yet was without sin. His empathy is genuine. Draw on his strength and stay close to him. ‘For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
2. Take responsibility for your sin. Don’t blame someone else for it – the sin is within us. James explains that we are tempted by our own innate, desires of the flesh. ‘But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed’ (James 1:14)
Watch your thoughts. Your thoughts ultimately form your character. The more you linger on a sinful thought, the less likely you are to resist the temptation. If you fantasize about another woman or man, whether real or imagined, it will be more difficult to resist if the actual situation materializes.
Make every thought obedient to Christ. If you do, the temptation will inevitably dissipate. ‘For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.’ (2 Cor 10:4-5).
Remember, God will provide you with what you need to resist the temptation if you truly seek it. ‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Cor 10:13). God has granted us free will.
Jesus died for us because as humans we are sinners. If we stay close to him we can confront sin and resist temptation. Our relationships will be stronger for it.
Image Source: http://wordexplain.com/sintempt.html
Popular Jewelry Stores
You could spend weeks browsing all the websites that sell jewelry. While the number of online jewelry sellers is vast, several popular jewelry stores stand out for their commitment to quality, style and customer service.
Here’s the scoop on three top online jewelers:
Apples of Gold (applesofgold.com): Apples of Gold specializes in fine gold jewelry, wedding bands, diamond rings, and gemstone rings, and also carries a large selection of Christian and personalized jewelry. In addition to jewelry staples, Apples of Gold offers many pieces that are a little out of the ordinary, extraordinarily stunning or hard to find—all at an average of 40 percent less than retail prices.
As a self-described “small business with a big heart,” Apples of Gold is committed to integrity, reliability and honesty, both in the jewelry they sell and in their interaction with customers. They focus on high quality, fine craftsmanship and personal customer service without cutting corners. They offer free shipping on all orders and are committed to excellent customer service. Every piece they sell comes with a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee and a 45-day return policy.
Blue Nile (bluenile.com): Blue Nile strives to make choosing an engagement ring simple and understanding diamonds easy. They’re the largest online diamond retailer, though they carry a variety of fine jewelry. Blue Nile offers many options to “create your own” jewelry by choosing a stone and a setting to create pieces that are uniquely yours. Like Apples of Gold, they’re also committed to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Blue Nile provides their customers with diamond and jewelry consultants who answer questions and help you find the piece that’s right for you. Since these consultants don’t earn a commission, they offer pressure-free advice. Blue Nile also offers their customers a wealth of educational information on their website. Their jewelry is shipped for free and returns are allowed within 30 days.
Max and Chloe (maxandchloe.com): Max and Chloe offers an extensive selection of jewelry, from classic engagement s rings to trendy statement necklaces. Their vast collection includes fashion jewelry and fine jewelry, including bridal jewelry, silver and pearls. They sell pieces from hundreds of designers and have the largest selection of fashion and personalized jewelry online.
Max and Chloe provides their customers with far more than the basics. Their up-to-the minute trends section gives fashionistas a wealth of ways to get their jewelry fix.
These three online jewelers are popular for a reason. Their selection, quality and service make them stand out from the crowd.
Christians and Divorce
It is a sad fact of life that divorce in our 21st century society is on the rise. In the US alone nearly half of all marriages end in divorce and statistics among Christian marriages reflect the national average.
For Christians in particular, divorce is a last resort after all attempts at reconciliation have failed. Are there ever any circumstances where it is right for Christians to seek a divorce? Are we not contravening God’s laws in doing so?
Let’s have a look at what the Bible has to say about divorce.
God’s views on divorce are clearly stated in Malachi; ‘For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). This is later reiterated in the gospel of Matthew: ‘Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”(Matthew19:6).
Yet it seems there are also circumstances where is it permissible for a man and woman to divorce:-
‘But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.’ (Matthew 5:32).
Jesus seems to allow divorce where marital infidelity has occurred. This matter is complicated, however, in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 where Paul makes it clear that for those with a non-Christian husband or wife, they must not leave them unless the spouse desires it.
How complex it all seems when we are agonizing over our decision and praying over God’s will for our lives. When we are clinging desperately to the scraps of our marriage, such words only serve to reinforce our sense of failure.
So where does this leave us as we battle with our own guilt ridden emotions? We feel like we’re failing God, our family and ourselves.
There is no easy answer. As we debate over what all of this means in society today, we forget that we are humans and also sinners. Inevitably divorce will occur among Christians, no matter how we strive to live as God told us. That doesn’t mean that God loves us less.
Only God knows our heart, only He knows how hard we have tried to sustain our marriage. He has a plan for all of our lives so if we have fervently attempted to reconcile with our spouse to no avail, does it mean that this is part of God’s plans for us? Remember God can ultimately use everything for the good, even our perceived sins.
We all know that divorce is frowned upon by the Bible and by God but it remains a fact of life. We will always fall short of the glory of God; that is why Jesus died for us.
If you are emerging from what you feel is the wreckage of a marriage or on the cusp of a divorce after numerous attempts at patching things up, do not forget one essential truth.
Jesus loves you.
He is with you and loves you today and always. His love never fails. If you doubt it, when you feel yourself sinking in a morass of conflicting emotions, console yourself with these words:-
‘For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:38-39).
Dating Tips for Single Christians
For Christians entering the dating arena, it can seem at times like tiptoeing through a minefield. With the seeming dearth of single Christians, how are we ever supposed to meet a potential spouse? For women in particular, the regular Sunday services are not the ideal or appropriate place to meet single men.
What is the answer? Do we date non-Christians in the hope that we may inspire them to turn to Jesus? Not according to the apostle Paul we don’t; ‘Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?’ (2 Cor 6:14).
In that case, how can we expand our options and our social horizons in the hope of meeting our future husband or wife?
Here are five tips for those of you treading through that dating minefield.
1. This year why not sign up for some Christian festivals which are often attended by a wide variety of Christians, not purely from within your own denomination. A Christian music festival in particular is a great place to meet people of all ages. Music offers an ideal backdrop to forge new friendships.
2. Try different kinds of Christian worship. If you have only worshipped in one particular style or attended the same Church, it may be that a different environment will prove both stimulating and a place to meet Christians.
3. Ask your Christian friends if they know of anyone single who you may be compatible with. If they do, be bold, ask them to set you up on a blind date. What have you got to lose?
4. Register with a reputable Christian dating website. Marriages among couples who have met online are on the increase and Christians are no different. The normal rules apply if you do strike up a friendship online. Always meet in a public place, tell someone where you are going and do not divulge your personal details such as home address and so on until trust has been established.
5. Forget about it. Forget about seeking a life partner. Forget about marriage. Concentrate on the love of God and celebrate the gifts He has bestowed upon you. If you are strong on pastoral care, try some voluntary work. If you have artistic ability, register for an art class. Perhaps you possess musical talents, in which case joining a Christian band may offer a number of opportunities to meet new people. Seek to make the most of yourself. Your joy will shine through and when you’re least expecting it God will send that special person into your life.
Remember God has a plan for your life; if you haven’t met Mr or Miss Right yet it is because He has other plans for you. Have patience; when the time is right that special person will enter your life. Never forget to ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding’ (Proverbs 3:5).
Christian Dating Websites Increase in Popularity
Meeting your spouse begins with prayer. There is no better place to meet your husband or wife than through church, family, or friends. But as our society has become increasingly fractured and individuals have become more and more isolated, it has become increasingly difficult to find your husband or wife in a safe, Christian environment. With social networking and our growing dependence on technology, it has become a fact of life that the Internet has become a real and legitimate source of making connections on a personal, relational level. Whether you meet your husband or wife online or use online dating sites as a hub or meeting place to explore the possibilities, the trend of dating online is on the rise.
Christian dating websites such as ChristianCafe.Com offer a ten day trial before signing up. This is a great way to explore the possibility of whether a Christian dating website is a viable possibility for you. ChristianMingle.com also allows you to join free for access to parts of their site.
The free trial offers are the best way to find out whether or not online dating is God’s choice for you or not–coupled with diligent prayer. For such an important decision in your life, it is always important to pray and seek God’s will for your life. Read His Word daily and learn from Biblical principles and apply them even to things such as online dating.
Another online resource for dating is consumer feedback. What have other people who have partook in these sites experienced? Consumer-Rankings.com, for example reviews the best products and services on the net by providing comprehensive comparison tables based research that their team has conducted. They list, for example, comparisons of the best dating websites, including popular dating sites such as Match.Com, Chemistry.com, PerfectMatch.Com, and eHarmony.com, and Spark. While these are not specifically Christian websites, there are often Christians on these networks as well and many of these networks offer matches with Christians in your area. It also helps to look into dating reviews sites to find discounts and coupons that may help extend your membership or offer a price-break if you decide to join.
I cannot stress enough, however, to be careful and prayerful if you decide to try an online dating service. Often with the Internet, we may forget that these are real people we are connecting to and we must continue to conduct ourselves with the values that we have been taught as Christians. Continue to go to church, read the Bible, and ask God whether online dating is right for you, or whether He prefers that you simply wait on Him to bring you your spouse, as He did all the great patriarchs and matriarchs in the Bible!
I pray that God blesses you and helps you to seek His will in both your dating and marriage relationships. Stay pure.
