Throughout human history, the family has been
the foundation of society. Within a strong, well-
functioning family we can fulfill our physical and
emotional needs. Strong family ties provide us the
love and security we need for a happy life.
Children grow into well-adjusted adults through
example, instruction and discipline. Chores and
responsibilities are shared for the good of all.
Marriage and Divorce But from the beginning of the creation God
made them male and female. For this
cause shall a man leave his father and
mother, and cleave to his wife; And they
twain shall be one flesh: so then they are
no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder. (KJV, Mark 10:6-9) The family of biblical times had the husband as
"lord" of the household and the wife as his
helper. The husband worked diligently to provide
material needs and protection while the wife
worked diligently at domestic chores (Ward, pp.
92-94). In these New Testament passages, the
need for a strong, healthy marriage is expressed
in terms of the idealized family of the ancient
world: Wives, in the same way be submissive to
your husbands so that, if any of them do
not believe the word, they may be won
over without words by the behavior of their
wives, when they see the purity and
reverence of your lives. Your beauty should
not come from outward adornment, such
as braided hair and the wearing of gold
jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should
be that of your inner self, the unfading
beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which
is of great worth in God's sight. Husbands,
in the same way be considerate as you
live with your wives, and treat them with
respect as the weaker partner and as heirs
with you of the gracious gift of life, so that
nothing will hinder your prayers. (NIV,
1 Peter 3:1-4, 7) Contemporary marriages may follow the biblical
model or may be quite different. Regardless of
how we divide the roles and responsibilities in our
marriages, though, we must be sure the marriage
fulfills its essential family functions and provides
a loving environment for children to grow into
responsible adults. Unselfish love is the "glue" that holds families
together. In marriage we must subdue our own
egos and selfish pride for the sake of the family.
The Apostle Paul states it eloquently in this
passage from First Corinthians: Love is patient, love is kind, and is not
jealous; love does not brag and is not
arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it
does not seek its own, is not provoked,
does not take into account a wrong
suffered, does not rejoice in
unrighteousness, but rejoices with the
truth; bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things. (NAS,
1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
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