Is it Wrong Not to Marry at My Age?

Q: I am 65 years old and have been living with a man for the sake of pleasure, but I am feeling guilty. He has suggested we marry, but at this stage in my life I don’t know if I can give up my independence, but I don’t like to be lonely. Is this wrong? — M.F.

A: When relationships are built on a purely biological level it does not set a couple up for marital bliss. Marriages that are based on sexual relations alone are doomed to failure, no matter the age. The divorce courts are full of disillusioned people who mistake sexual desire for true love.

Marriage between a man and woman can bring wonderful fulfillment, but without Christ at the center of marriage, there is nowhere to turn for guidance, understanding, and an example of pure love. The only sound marriages are those based on mutual respect, and when both individuals are fully committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, their commitment to each other grows and a bond forms that helps endure the difficulties of life. The Bible says that when a man and woman are joined together as one, “they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).

Couples bound together in holy matrimony are not intended to live independent of one another. They share as one in all things. This is a wonderful and special relationship and should not be taken lightly. When a man and woman live together outside the bonds of marriage, they are playing with fire. Nothing brings more joy than a good marriage, and nothing brings more misery than a bad marriage. Moral living sometimes demands difficult choices. It requires selflessness. When we turn our lives completely over to Jesus Christ, He empowers us to live righteously.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2019 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.