Marriage - Its Origin and Purpose

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MARRIAGE MATES 

Paul wrote:  "Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself up for it." (Ephesians 5:25)  Christians today imitate Jesus' example by loving one another just as Jesus loved his disciples.   (Read John 13:34, 35;  15:12, 13.) A Christian husband and wife should love each other so much that they are willing to die for each other.  But when there are serious problems in the marriage, some may not feel that their love is very strong.  What can help them?  Love based on principle, which "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,"  that kind of love "never fails."  (1 Corinthians 13:7, 8 ) A couple must remember that they made a vow.  The promised to love each other and be faithful to each other. Remembering this will motivate Christian couples to seek Jehovah's help; and work together to solve any problems. 

Paul described the responsibilities of each marriage mate when he said:  "Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord, because a husband is head of his wife just as the Christ is head of the congregation."  (Ephesians 5:22, 23)  This does not mean that a husband is better than his wife. Jehovah spoke about the valuable role of a wife when he said: "It is not good for the man to continue to be alone.  I am going to make a helper for him, as  a compliment of him.' (Genesis 2:18) A wife should help her husband to be a good family head. And  a husband needs to imitate the love example of Jesus, who is the "head of the congregation."  When a husband does this, his wife feels secure and it is easier for her to respect and support him. 

Cathy, who is married to Fred, admits:  "As a single sister, I was independent and took care of myself. Marriage was an adjustment for me as I learned to rely on my husband. It has not always been easy, but we have drawn so much closer as a a couple by doing things Jehovah's way.  Fred says:  "Making decisions was never easy for me.  In marriage, taking two people into consideration adds to the challenges. But by seeking Jehovah's guidance in prayer and really listening to my wife's input, it gets easier every day.  I feel that we are a team!" 

Marriages can be strong if couples "continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely." Because they are imperfect, both mates will make mistakes.  When that happens, they can learn from their mistakes, learn to be forgiving, and show love based on Bible principles.  This love is "a perfect bond of union."  (Colossians 3:13, 14) Marriage mates can show this love by being patient and kind and by not keeping "account of the injury."  (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) When there are disagreements, a couple should try to resolve these as soon as possible, before the end of the day.  (Ephesians 4:26, 27) It take humility and courage to say "I am sorry for hurting you," but doing so helps to solve problems and draws marriage mates closer together.  

Next time: Marriage -Its Origin and Purpose/A SPECIAL NEED FOR TENDERNESS

From The Watchtower magazine