Does happiness depend on marriage; and does marriage automatically produce happiness? These questions should be thoroughly considered before this step is taken.

Since marriage is a temporal, human institution, it cannot of itself give the true happiness which comes only from an understanding of God. Happiness is a spiritual quality of God, and we experience it in the measure that we understand and express God, who is Spirit.

The main purposes of marriage should be for the partners to express love and affection, to encourage and uplift each other, to maintain morality and virtue, and to provide a legal and moral means for reproduction. Mrs. Eddy, when asked what she thought of marriage, replied, "To be normal, it must be a union of the affections that tends to lift mortals higher." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 52;} To the extent that marriage does promote the spiritual growth of the individual, it becomes a means by which one can bring to light the joy he already includes as the child of God.

Many factors determine whether the marriage relationship will be satisfactory. The first requirement for all happiness is obedience to the laws of morality. The Beatitudes in Christ Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (See Matt. 5:3–12) point out that such moral qualities as mercy, meekness, and peaceableness, when expressed through our thoughts and actions, enable us to enjoy the harmony that has its source in God. As we bring to the minutiae of our daily affairs the uplifting qualities of affection, honesty, temperance, and chastity, we find marriage purifying and enriching our lives.

Because it is founded upon erroneous concepts, the fallible mortal sense of marriage will not produce the spiritual growth which includes happiness. The general human belief that each individual is incomplete and needs a mate for true fulfillment is a misconception of man. This belief is destroyed as we learn, through the study of Christian Science, to see man as the spiritual idea of God—perfect, complete, satisfied, and joyous. If this spiritual understanding of man governs our attitudes, then we shall not bring to our marriages beliefs of lack, self-interest, and personal domination. The awareness of God's loving-kindness to each of His children will encourage us to overcome the selfishness of personal sense, which neither gives nor receives happiness. And this must be done if we are to avoid discontent and maintain a harmonious relationship.

Christ Jesus clearly recognized the need for basing our activities on the reliability of Spirit rather than on the instability of matter when he said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." ^{Matt. 6:19, 20;}

As we earnestly endeavor to depend upon God, we shall see possessiveness replaced by the joyous quality of generosity. If we are willing to relinquish merely personal desires and ambitions for the good of the marriage, self-will is deprived of its supposed power to create unhappiness. A deeply loving consideration for another's welfare and the tender appreciation of another's efforts will help us to overcome self-love.

Mrs. Eddy assures us: "Goodness never fails to receive its reward, for goodness makes life a blessing. As an active portion of one stupendous whole, goodness identifies man with universal good." ^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 165;} What a wonderful truth to put to practical use in any marriage!

If the entire experience of marriage is based upon divine Love's guidance, it will prove to be one of the greatest opportunities we can have to bear witness to that unselfed love which comes from God. Then we shall realize the happiness which is ours as Love's expression.

Some years ago a Christian Scientist had the opportunity of proving these truths. She had been dating two young men and eventually had to make a decision regarding marriage. She was most attracted to the man who was personable and carefree but had questionable morals. The other was intelligent and quiet and cared for her in a tender, unselfish way. In considering this step she lifted her thought to God. She realized that the only happiness she would ever have would be that which comes from God. For His love for His child is above all human sense of love and can give only good. She knew she had the divine right to be happy when she put God above all else.

She carefully studied the Lesson-Sermon for the week from the Christian Science Quarterly on the subject "Soul," and when she was through, she made the decision to marry the latter young man. Her desire to serve God brought to her attention the Godlike qualities of purity, tenderness, and moral courage that he expressed and which she loved. He most exemplified her highest sense of God-governed manhood; so she honored that by marrying him. In the years since, she has continually experienced a deeply satisfying marriage. And she is most grateful for his loving support and interest in her spiritual growth.

When we put God first in our thought and then in our deeds, His great goodness is evidenced everywhere. For as the Bible says, "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." ^{Prov. 16:20.}