Chapter 29—Builders of the Home

At a marriage festival where friends and relatives rejoiced together, Christ began His public ministry by performing His first miracle. Thus He sanctioned marriage, recognizing it as an institution that He Himself had established. He ordained that men and women should be united in holy wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned with honor, should be recognized as members of the family above.MHH 201.1

Christ honored the marriage relation by also making it a symbol of the union between Him and His redeemed ones. He Himself is the Bridegroom; the bride is the church, of which, as His chosen one, He says, “‘You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.’” Song of Solmon 4:7.MHH 201.2

Christ “loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it ... that it should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives.” Ephesians 5:25-28.MHH 201.3

The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing. And it is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for its responsibilities.MHH 201.4

Those who are contemplating marriage should consider what will be the character and influence of the home they are founding. As they become parents, a sacred trust is committed to them. Upon them depends in a great measure the well-being of their children in this world and their happiness in the world to come. To a great extent they determine both the physical and moral stamp that their little ones receive. And upon the character of the home depends the condition of society. Each family’s influence helps either to elevate it or degrade it.MHH 201.5

The choice of a life companion should be such as best to secure physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for parents and for their children—such as will enable both parents and children to bless other people and honor their Creator.MHH 202.1

Before assuming the responsibilities involved in marriage, young men and young women should have such an experience in practical life as will prepare them for its duties and burdens. Early marriages should not be encouraged. A relation as important as marriage and so far-reaching in its results should not be entered upon hastily, without sufficient preparation and before the mental and physical powers are well developed.MHH 202.2

The parties may not have worldly wealth, but they should have the far greater blessing of health. And in most cases they should not be far apart in age. A neglect of this rule may result in seriously impairing the health of the younger. And often the children are robbed of physical and mental strength. They cannot receive from an aged parent the care and companionship that their young lives demand, and they may be deprived by death of the father or the mother at the very time when love and guidance are most needed.MHH 202.3

Only in Christ can a marriage alliance be safely formed. Human love should draw its closest bonds from divine love. Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish affection.MHH 202.4