THE WAY OF HAPPINESS - UNITED BY "A PERFECT BOND OF UNION

Jesus Christ taught important principles on marriage.  For instance, he said:  " A man will leave his father and his mother ad will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh.' . . .  Therefore, what God has yoked together , let no man put apart."  (Matthew  19:5, 6) At least two important principles stand out.

"  "THE TWO WILL BE ONE FLESH. "  Marriage is the most important union humans can have, and love can protect it against infidelity-that is, the husband or wife becoming "one body" with someone other than his or her spouse.  (1 Corinthians  6:16; Hebrews 13:4)    Unfaithfulness shatters trust and can wreck the marriage.  If children are involved, they may be emotionally traumatized, feeling unloved, insecure, or even resentful.

"WHAT GOD HAS YOKED TOGETHER."  Marriage is also a sacred union.  Couples who respect that fact strive to strengthen their marriage.  They do not look for a way out when difficulties arise.  Their love is strong and resilient.  Such a love "bears all things," working through difficulties in an effort to maintain marital harmony and peace.

When self-sacrificing love exists between parents, any children in the family benefit greatly.  A young woman named Jessica observed:  "My father and mother truly love and respect each other.  When I see my mother respect my father, especially when dealing with us children, it makes me want to be just like her."

Love is God's foremost quality.   In fact,  the Bible says: "God is love."  (1 John 4:8)  It thus comes as no surprise that Jehovah is also called "the happy God." (1 Timothy 1:11)  We too will be happy when we strive to  imitate our Creator's qualities-especially his love. Says (Ephesians 5:1, 2)  "Become imitators of God, as beloved children and go on walking in love."

KEY POINTS

'Love is patient  and kind. It bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails." - 1 CORINTHIANS 13-4-8.

* Helps us to show sincere concern for the welfare of others

* Can grow stronger over time

* Gives strength and resilience to friendships and marriages 

* Helps children to thrive and feel secure

* Makes us more like our Creator

Next time: THE WAY OF HAPPINESS - Forgiveness

From the jw.org publications