MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

God created man in his image, and God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

God designed marriage to fulfill sexual and emotional needs and to produce, nurture, and train offspring (Ephesians 6:4). God designed marriage to be for life (God hates divorce — Malachi 2:16) and intended marriage to be the foundation of the family. Following the principles of God and Jesus, husband and wife are to love and respect one another (Ephesians 5:22 – 33) and to teach their children to love and obey God (Deuteronomy 6:7). God has not changed his mind about this.

God made us, loves us, and knows what is best for us. He knows that every individual needs someone to love him or her unconditionally and unselfishly throughout all the ups and downs of life. The family unit is an anchor of love and support and a refuge when times get tough. Everyone needs a place of safety, love, and encouragement where we can be who we are and be accepted and loved just as we are. No one should be alone or unloved. That is the purpose of families. Godly families rooted in godly principles and love are the foundation of lifelong relationships that go on for generations providing a place of love, safety, and acceptance throughout our lifetimes.

You may say that is the ideal we do not always or often see. That is true because everything that God has given us for our good can be corrupted and abused when we do not follow God. I know this from personal experience. When we follow our own selfish and sinful desires, our marriages and families suffer. When we have sex outside of marriage, when we have children outside of marriage, and when we live together without the commitment and sanctity of marriage, we are rebelling against God and doing things our way. We can try to have stable, strong relationships and families without God at the core, but our foundation is weak. It is based upon our personal values and selfish desires, not on what is best for the family and not on godly principles of love (see 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7), self sacrifice, and commitment.

Life is long and challenging, and people are imperfect. Without godly values in our homes, we cannot hope to have lasting, loving marriages and families.

— Cynthia Clayton

Picture credits:
©Patty Gibson