In Genesis 1, as God completed the major phases of His creation, we're told that He reviewed His handiwork and "saw that it was good" (verses 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). But something was lacking. We read that of all God's vast and perfect creation, one thing was decidedly "not good." Considering Adam, "the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; I shall make a partner suited to him'" (Genesis 2:18, Revised English Bible, emphasis added throughout).

It was only after forming both man and woman (Genesis 1:27-28) that God summed up His wondrous work through the sixth day with the words, "indeed, it was very good" (verse 31).

The first man was initially incomplete. God created Eve—a woman, a helper, a partner, a companion to complete and complement the man—and presented her to him (Genesis 2:22). Here we see that God Himself established marriage. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (verse 24, compare Matthew 19:5-6).

Marriage isn't simply something that mankind dreamed up. It's a divine institution, given as a blessing by the One who designed and made men and women.

And indeed research has repeatedly confirmed that marriage is a blessing. Among other things, married men and women are healthier, wealthier, happier, more faithful, feel more personal fulfillment and have better relationships with their children.

Their children are more successful, physically and emotionally healthier, less prone to criminal behavior and less likely to grow up in poverty, be sexually active or abuse drugs or alcohol. Communities with higher rates of happy marriages have more physically healthy citizens, lower rates of violence and teen pregnancy, lower crime and juvenile delinquency rates, more education and higher property values.

As with any structure, societies and civilizations are constructed piece by piece, block by block. Marriage is the fundamental building block of the family. Families are the building blocks of communities. Communities are the building blocks of nations. And nations are the building blocks of civilization. If any of these are faulty, the entire structure weakens. And if not repaired and restored, it will in time collapse.

We need strong marriages. They're the "glue" that holds families together—and ultimately civilization itself. We need to understand the Bible's instruction on marriage and family, and to live it every day. That's why we regularly feature articles, interviews, news items and advice on how you can strengthen your marriage and family and enjoy this wonderful blessing our Creator has given us.

Never take this blessing for granted. J. Paul Getty, a billionaire several times over at the time of his death at age 83 in 1976, lamented near the end of his life that he would gladly have given all his millions for just one lasting, happy marriage. Successful though he was at nearly everything else, he learned the hard way that all his wealth couldn't buy happiness.

But you can enjoy this blessing that eluded even one of the world's wealthiest men. You'll find this blessing by learning to truly love
your husband or wife—by showing concern, care, respect, patience, kindness and forgiveness every day.

In doing so you'll also fulfill your purpose by becoming more and more like the One of whom 1 John 4:8 tells us, "God is love." GN