"I can't wait to leave home"
FAMILY. The family is the most important social structure in the society. The choice of a lifetime marriage partner is certainly one of the most important decisions a person can make.
Every family is unique, with each marriage partner bringing experiences and values from his or her own family. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as perfect marriage, "a marriage made in heaven." There are, however, principles that, if followed, will help each family to be all that God intended it to be.
First, is the foundation of love. Jesus demonstrated this principle by laying down his "rights" when he came to earth to live as a man and died on the cross. If truly love our spouse and our children, we would be willing to lay down our lives so that they might live in some emergency situation. The true test, however, is if we lay down our rights and demand on others in the everyday situations of life. Love is proven not just by the words we say, but also by our actions.
Second, is the foundation of respect. Family members must show respect for each other, even when there is disagreement on a particular matter. This is where healthy communication plays an important role. If we offend in any way, we need to quickly ask forgiveness.
Third, is the foundation of commitment. No matter what happens, commitment is necessary for a family to survive. There are many voices in contemporary society that tell us if marriage is not working, just get out. But this is not the solution. God is the solution and help can be found through prayer, studying God's Word, and the wise counsel of those who love God.
Fourth, before you marry, be at peace with your own family as much as it's possible. Unresolved conflicts will often be reflected later in the relationship you have with your husband/wife, children, and in-laws. Ask forgiveness of those you have offended, and forgive those who have offended you, no matter how deeply you have been hurt. Freedom comes when we learn to forgive others in the same way that God has forgiven us.
Every family is unique, with each marriage partner bringing experiences and values from his or her own family. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as perfect marriage, "a marriage made in heaven." There are, however, principles that, if followed, will help each family to be all that God intended it to be.
First, is the foundation of love. Jesus demonstrated this principle by laying down his "rights" when he came to earth to live as a man and died on the cross. If truly love our spouse and our children, we would be willing to lay down our lives so that they might live in some emergency situation. The true test, however, is if we lay down our rights and demand on others in the everyday situations of life. Love is proven not just by the words we say, but also by our actions.
Second, is the foundation of respect. Family members must show respect for each other, even when there is disagreement on a particular matter. This is where healthy communication plays an important role. If we offend in any way, we need to quickly ask forgiveness.
Third, is the foundation of commitment. No matter what happens, commitment is necessary for a family to survive. There are many voices in contemporary society that tell us if marriage is not working, just get out. But this is not the solution. God is the solution and help can be found through prayer, studying God's Word, and the wise counsel of those who love God.
Fourth, before you marry, be at peace with your own family as much as it's possible. Unresolved conflicts will often be reflected later in the relationship you have with your husband/wife, children, and in-laws. Ask forgiveness of those you have offended, and forgive those who have offended you, no matter how deeply you have been hurt. Freedom comes when we learn to forgive others in the same way that God has forgiven us.
Prayer:
God, I realize how important it is to have a healthy family. Help me to be at peace with my parents and my brothers and sisters. I choose to take seriously the responsibility of establishing my own family in a way that is pleasing to You.
In Christ
Alone
