Right and Wrong: Guidance That Works -Conclusion

 Meaning: Marriage is an arrangement between man and woman that God originated, so that he knows what is needed for a couple to be happy. (Mark 10:6, 9) Happiness results when marriage mates focus, not on what each one gets, but on each one can strengthen their marriage.  A husband loves who loves his wife will show it by the way he treats her and cares for her.  And a wife who respects her husband will show it by the way she speaks and acts.

BIBLE GUIDANCE THAT WORKS: Quang and Thi, from Vietnam, felt trapped in their unhappy marriage. Quang was often unkind. He says: "I didn't care about Thi's feelings and often humiliated her." Thi wanted a divorce. She said: "I felt I could no longer trust or respect my husband."

Eventually, Quang and Thi learned what the Bible teaches and how to apply Ephesians 5:33 in their marriage.  "This verse helped me to see the need to be kind," says Quang, "and to make Thi feel loved and cared for materially, physically, and emotionally. When I act that way, I gain her love and respect." And Thi says: "The more I apply Ephesians 5:33 and show my husband respect, the more he makes me feel loved, protected, and at peace." 

For more information on marriage, read Awake! No. 2 2018, entitled "12 Secrets of Successful Families" on jw.org. 

Next time: Right and Wrong: Guidance That Works - 2. How to Treat Others

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