There are many strong feelings and emotions that come with the subject of marriage. Some may also get heated when the topic of whether you should or shouldn't marry young comes up. I am not writing this to offend anyone, nor am I trying to bash those who choose to marry at a very young age. I am writing this simply because of the way I view the world, dating, and marriage.

With that being said, let's get started.

Marriage is a wonderful thing. God created man in his image and intended for him to have a partner, therefore creating women. “God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it'” (Genesis 1: 27-28). But the thing is, marriage is being taken advantage of. Many in today's society are now marrying to simply be married. They dream of a big wedding and huge celebration with friends and family, but they forget the true meaning of marriage.

Marriage is when two people coming together to support one another in life's journey. Marriage is also more than just "love". Love is beautiful, and it is seen in many different ways. But love is not love if it is focused on the wrong parts. Some put their worth in others. They believe that another person can define who they are and give them meaning. This is where the term "my other half" comes from. I disagree with this, though. You do NOT need another half nor do I feel like you have another half out in the world. You are complete with God. No woman needs a man to be fulfilled, nor does a man need a woman. Happiness should not be forced. And if you ask me, I believe you need to be happy with yourself first before becoming happy with someone else.

Maybe you are happy with yourself and are happy with another person and you two decide to marry young. That is OK! I've seen plenty of young marriages work out for the better, but what I'm trying to emphasize is that more than some young marriages are rushed. People are in a competition with one another about who is happier, who can have the best wedding, and who can get the most likes on their couple pictures on Instagram. Love and marriage are not about these things.

Focusing on the social aspect of love and marriage will result in failure. In my life, the successful marriages I have seen have been the ones that center their relationship around Jesus and then focus on the love for one another. They wait for the right timing rather than rushing into a marriage just because their friends are all getting married.

Who cares if you're still 26 and single? Get married at 29. Or even 34. There is no distinct age that we are required to find a significant other and tie the knot. Let God bring that one person to you, and with his timing, you will be married and live a wonderful life with one another. Take your time, and live your life. Be young while you can be, and find yourself in your early twenties rather than trying to find yourself through someone else.