THE VITAL ROLE OF LOVE

The word "love" appears repeatedly throughout this book.  Do you remember the kind of love primarily referred to?  It is true that romantic love (Greek, e'ros) plays  a part in marriage, and in successful marriages, deep affection and friendship (Greek, phi-li'a) grow between a husband and a wife. But even more important is he love represented by the Greek word  a-ga'pe.  This is the love that we cultivate for Jehovah, for Jesus, and for our neighbor.  (Matthew 22:37-39)  It is the love Jehovah expresses toward mankind.  (John 3:16) How wonderful that we can show the same kind of love for our marriage mate and children! -1 John 4:19.

In marriage this elevated love is truly "a perfect bond of union." (Colossians 3:14)  It binds a couple together and make them want to do what is best for each other and for their children. When families face difficult situations, love helps them to handle things unitedly. As a couple get older, love helps them to support and continue appreciating each other.  "Love . . .does not look for its own interests. . . .It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." -1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

The marriage union is especially strong when it is sealed not just by love between marriage mates, but primarily by love for Jehovah. (Ecclesiastes  4:9-12) Why? Well, the apostle  John wrote:  "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments." (1 John 5:3) Thus, a couple should train their children in godly devotion not simply because they love their children deeply but because this is Jehovah's command.  (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7)  They should shun immorality not only because they love each other but chiefly because they love Jehovah, who "will judge fornicators and adulterers." (Hebrews 13:4) Even if one partner causes severe problems in a marriage, love for Jehovah will move the other to continue following the Bible principles.  Happy indeed, are those families in which love for one another is cemented by love for Jehovah! 

Next time: THE FAMILY THAT DOES GOD'S WILL

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996