| 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. |
Gen. 2:18-25.
