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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’m young, but old enough to get married; I’m just not sure I want to, mainly because most people who are married are either not faithful to their spouse, or they argue and fuss all the time – no thanks. It seems like God’s standard is too high for good marriages in this day and age. Is my thinking wrong? – D.M.

A: There’s a lot of so-called love in our world today, which is not really love but is instead based on selfishness and even lust. Many couples marry to satisfy their own selfish needs, realizing later that it doesn’t work.

There is such a thing as true love, which is a selfless love. This is the kind of love the Bible talks about when it speaks of God’s love for us. It’s also the kind of love that the Bible describes briefly but profoundly in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7: “[Love] is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things … endures all things” (NKJV).

This is a very high standard and is made possible by strength that comes in believing in Jesus Christ and asking for His power to fulfill such a lofty goal in any relationship. What would happen if mankind truly lived by this standard?

God wants everyone to understand what true love is, because it first comes from Him. No matter what pressures others might apply, stand strong!

God’s standards are often dismissed or scored as old-fashioned. But God’s standards have not changed, and neither have His promises to those who follow Christ. Many young people today are seeking to honor God in their lives, and trusting God proves to lead the way that is always best.

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

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.