Do you believe

[sunshine100]

Do you think and believe that God matches you with someone that he thinks and believes is the right person for you?

 

[Bumble Bee]

I believe He does. I have seen evidence of that as I have watched my relationship and those of my friends grow with our spouses.

 

[bèlla]

I wouldn't say match because it removes the concept of free will and we are never forced to follow a path. However, I think we are shown (if we listen) a potential suitor whose presence will grow our faith and allow us to accomplish our purpose. I don't think we're limited to one option.

 

[Bumble Bee]

I think He does create our match, but gives us options. He arranges things for us, and it is up to us to follow through with it.

 

[bèlla]

I would never teach that philosophy. The Purity Movement has done a lot of damage. And there are many singles who struggle with their situation. We need to address the topic from a biblical perspective.

The idea about a match is found in Judaism. They call it a bashert.

 

[Bumble Bee]

What damage has the purity movement done?

 

[bèlla]

What damage has the purity movement done?

In simple language, if you maintain your purity you'll get "this" in return. But as you know our culture is changing. Church membership is declining. And the promise hasn't come for many. It's heart wrenching.

One of the biggest proponents has retracted his support.

Most of its supporters married in their twenties. They have little experience with singleness. And lack an ability to grasp the differences one encounters at 24 and 34 and don't even think of broaching 40.

This is foreign soil for the church. Most have a larger proportion of women than men. And many men don't want to marry. I know someone who assumed she'd remarry in her 30's. But it didn't happen until a friend was dying with cancer (similar to the situation with Nancy Leigh DeMoss) and the wife told her husband to consider the woman. She's in her 60's.

 

[Pethesedzao]

Do you think and believe that God matches you with someone that he thinks and believes is the right person for you?

He who finds a wife finds good and obtains favor of the Lord

 

[Dave-W]

The idea about a match is found in Judaism. They call it a bashert.

To my knowledge That is only in chassidic Judaism.

 

[Bumble Bee]

I think that maintaining purity is vital for the Christian walk as well as for the strength of a marriage, regardless what age a person gets married.

As far as the OP goes, I believe that God has called some to remain single and some to marry. I believe that those who were called to marry have been created for their specific spouse. Whether they obey that call or not is a separate issue. I believe that we experience God’s greatest blessings when we follow his calling.

 

[bèlla]

To my knowledge That is only in chassidic Judaism.

The theme is common to Judaism. Orthodox Jews will work with a Shidduch for matchmaking. Even those who don't use the service will reference the term.

 

[bèlla]

I think that maintaining purity is vital for the Christian walk as well as for the strength of a marriage, regardless what age a person gets married.

Purity cannot be addressed as a bargaining tool for a future spouse. Our abstinence must be in accordance to our obedience to God. Not in the hope of having a reward later on.

As far as the OP goes, I believe that God has called some to remain single and some to marry. I believe that those who were called to marry have been created for their specific spouse. Whether they obey that call or not is a separate issue. I believe that we experience God’s greatest blessings when we follow his calling.

I am in agreement with that. But nevertheless, it does not change the reality we live in. There are many who believe they are called to marry who have not found a spouse.

 

[Bumble Bee]

God would not call someone to marry without providing them a spouse. People do tend to confuse their own desires with the Lords calling.

 

[Dave-W]

The theme is common to Judaism. Orthodox Jews will work with a Shidduch for matchmaking. Even those who don't use the service will reference the term.

Certainly not done In Reform or Conservative Judaism.

 

[bèlla]

God would not call someone to marry without providing them a spouse. People do tend to confuse their own desires with the Lords calling.

Wow. Nancy Leigh DeMoss was a virgin when she married. I am uncertain of her exact age but I believe she's over 60. That is a very lengthy season of singleness.

I think I've said enough on this thread.

 

[bèlla]

Certainly not done In Reform or Conservative Judaism.

I am Conservative myself. The concept is referenced even though they don't practice it as the Orthodox do. Some have debated its applicability (Reform). But it remains.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Do you think and believe that God matches you with someone that he thinks and believes is the right person for you?

No. That person is the right person for God for you. Thus you may have a much worse partner than you led yourself to believe you got, but it is nevertheless God's will for you.

You are not the reason for his having created you. This is not about you. But yes, be wise, be smart, but don't put your hopes on your satisfaction, but on God's.

 

[timewerx]

God matched people in the Old Testament to establish the bloodline of the Christ.

But in the New Testament, you are free to remain single or get married (to anyone). It didn't matter anymore who you will marry if they are also fellow believers.

But who knows. Maybe God still matches people in things we don't even realize nor see.

 

[Mark Quayle]

I don't think God matches people anymore.

God did it in the Old Testament to establish the bloodline of the Christ.

But in the New Testament, you are free to remain single or get married (to anyone). It didn't matter anymore who you will marry if they are also fellow believers.

You may be surprised what God thinks. You are indeed free to choose, but God knows (and causes) what you will choose. So don't be stupid.

By the way, don't take it for a given that you must have someone. Paul said it was preferable not to marry, but if you don't have that gift (ability), it is preferable to marry than to burn in lust. (Pretty practical fellow, Paul).

I have heard it said, that marriage is like getting into the ministry --don't do it unless you must.

 

[SkyWriting]

Do you think and believe that God matches you with someone that he thinks and believes is the right person for you?

God has planned each of your relationships from beginning to end. I was a very close to my 7th grade lab partner till she died from pneumonia. Perhaps that is why I take friendship seriously now. I consider quality time is more important than quantity.