What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Encouraging advice to a 24‑year‑old single Seventh‑day Adventist woman or Adventist man who is waiting for marriage: do not rush, seek God's guidance, develop character and usefulness, serve, be content in Christ, and choose a God‑fearing spouse."
Answer
The time of waiting for marriage should be used to shape one's own character after the example of Christ, to develop diligence and useful skills, and to be a blessing to one's family. A marriage must not be entered into hastily, but requires sincere prayer, seeking divine guidance, and choosing a truly God‑fearing partner. When Christ is first in the heart and thoughts are submitted to His will, one finds true satisfaction and prepares as best as possible for a blessed future.
Character development and useful work before marriage
»You can be cheerful if you yourself submit your thoughts to the will of Christ. You should not hesitate, but thoroughly examine your own heart and daily die to self. ... You have character traits that must be strictly disciplined and decisively mastered before you can safely enter marriage. Therefore, marriage should be banished from your thoughts until you have overcome the deficiencies in your character ... You have failed to train yourself for systematic household work. You have not recognized the necessity of acquiring habits of diligence. The habit of valuing useful work, once formed, is never lost. ... If you value useful work, your spirit will be filled with your occupation, and you will find no time to indulge in dreamy fantasies. Knowledge of useful work will give your restless and dissatisfied spirit vigor, competence, and a fitting, modest dignity that commands respect.«
Seeking God's guidance and not rushing
»What a contrast between the behavior of Isaac and that of the youth of our time, even among professing Christians! Young people far too often think that the giving of their affection is a matter that should be decided solely by their own self—a matter that neither God nor their parents should direct in any way. ... The same lack of wisdom and self‑control that dictated the hasty choice magnifies the evil until the marital relationship becomes a burdensome yoke. ... If there is any subject that should be carefully considered and for which the counsel of older and experienced persons should be sought, it is the subject of marriage; if the Bible has ever been used as a guide, if divine guidance has ever been sought in prayer, then before taking a step that binds people together for life.«
Put God first and do not rush
»Do not rush anything. Early marriages should not be encouraged. If either young women or young men have no respect for God's requirements, if they fail to observe the duties that bind them to religion, there is a danger that they will not properly regard the demands of a spouse. ... If you set your eye solely on the honor of God, you will act with prudent caution. You will not allow love‑sick emotional frivolity to cloud your vision so that you can no longer see the high standards that God, as a Christian, sets for you. ... Let your goal be to glorify God and attain His moral likeness. Invite the Spirit of God to shape your character.«
Careful examination and the choice of a believing partner
»Before you take a step that will affect your entire future life, I urge you to consider the matter carefully and in prayer. Will this new relationship be a source of true happiness? Will it be a help to you in the Christian life? Will it be pleasing to God? ... Before any woman extends her hand to marriage, she should inquire whether the one with whom she wishes to bind her destiny is worthy. ... Can she find true peace and joy in his affection? ... Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, self‑less love.«
First be a blessing in your own home
»I earnestly ask you, yes, I warn you in the name of my Master: Do not enter into marriage and take on the duties and obligations of the marriage vow before you are transformed in heart and life. If you can make your own home happy and be a blessing to your father and mother, your brothers and sisters, then you can understand the duties associated with the marital relationship. You should begin your work exactly where you have previously neglected it.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
