Counsel #23 — Marriage And Family

Picture: Counsel #23 — Marriage And FamilyCCL 33.1

Established by God in Eden and reaffirmed by Jesus, marriage is a lifelong commitment of love and companionship between a man and a woman, as well as a commitment to God.CCL 33.2

Couples entering marriage should share a common faith, creating a strong foundation. Marriage should reflect the deep and sacred bond between Christ and His church by demonstrating mutual love, respect, responsibility, and honor. Jesus' teachings on divorce emphasize its seriousness. While some families may face challenges, a Christ-centered marriage with full commitment from both partners can achieve incredible unity through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and support from their church community.CCL 33.3

Strong, loving families are a hallmark of a thriving faith. Through their words and actions, parents should show their children that Christ is a loving Guide who wants them to be part of His heavenly kingdom, the family of God that welcomes both single and married individuals.^{[45]https://www.adventist.org/marriage-and-the-family/}CCL 33.4

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:31 NKJVCCL 33.5

“God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. ‘Marriage is honorable’ (Hebrews 13:3) ….” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46CCL 33.6

Reflect: How can the church community better embrace and support both single and married individuals?CCL 33.7