Counsel #6 — Staying Married

Picture: Counsel #6 — Staying MarriedCR 77.1

When both spouses have given their lives to Jesus first and foremost, the expected and unexpected challenges and trials of daily living bring them closer to each other and to God. Those who base their attraction on infatuation are far less likely to find peace and joy in their marriage and are more likely to divorce when the infatuation fades.^{[74]https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/healthy-marriage-traits/maintaining-lifelong-commitment/}CR 77.2

Marriage, along with the Sabbath, was one of God’s best gifts to humanity in Eden. The institution of marriage was intended by God to provide the joy of intimacy, of companionship, and of belonging.CR 77.3

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJVCR 77.4

“God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. ‘Marriage is honorable’ (Hebrews 13:3); it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46CR 77.5

Reflect: How do you think married couples can support each other through stressors like financial challenges, death in the family, debilitating illness, loss of a job, etc.?CR 77.6