Marriage was divinely
established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man
and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is
to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between
partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and
responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the
love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ
and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a
spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery.
Although some family
relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit
themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the
guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family
and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity.
Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their
example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian,
ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the
family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final
gospel message.
Scriptural References
} (Gen.
2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32;
Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut.
6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)
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